Macroeconomic Trends Just a War of Words? USDA’s March figures for U.S. agricultural exports to China, detailed in its 6 May data release, reflect a much different story than the heated trade war rhetoric would suggest. Those exports, excluding forest products, ethanol, biodiesel, distilled spirits and fish products, totaled 2.51 MMT. It was the highest volume for the month of March since 2015 when 2.94 MMT were shipped. At a total value of $1.325 billion, the average FOB price was $527.82/MT, the highest it has been since last June. In fact, that price showed an increase in each of the first three months of 2018.
Given the sharp discourse between the Trump administration and Beijing throughout the first quarter of 2018, the Marc...
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: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
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...
