Macro Trends Export Data Reflects Impact of New Tariffs U.S. agricultural exports to China i fell to 488,810.2 MT worth $480.6 million in July, the lowest volume and value levels for that month since 2007. With sorghum and wheat exports dropping to zero and soybean shipments at their lowest in three years for the month of July, the average FOB price rose to $983.24/MT, up from an average $477.89/MT for July 2017. Through the first seven months of 2018, U.S. agricultural exports, excluding related products such as ethanol, amounted to 13.45 MMT versus 17.63 MMT a year ago. It was the lowest volume since slightly more than 13.4 MMT were shipped during the same period in 2013, but the value was still relatively high at $7.2 billion due to de...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.