Macro Trends U.S. Ag Exports to China at Lowest Total Since 2011 Through July, data from USDA’s Global Agricultural Trade System (GATS) show a total volume of 12.69 MMT of agricultural products worth $6.61 billion. This compares to a total of 13.45 MMT with a value of $7.22 billion for the first seven months of 2018. The all-time mark in terms of volume occurred in 2015, when U.S. exporters sent 20.56 MMT of agricultural products to China’s ports. The record for total value for the first seven months of the year occurred in 2012 when U.S. ag exports to China amounted to $12.32 billion. While exports of beef, pistachios, beer, pork, soybeans, almonds, and hides remain solid, declines in hay shipments and miniscule volume...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
From WPI Consulting
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.