World Perspectives

Cost of Deception; Trade and Politics; Political Constituencies

Cost of Deception President Joe Biden like other politicians thought he made a clever calculation when he recent;ly blamed food processors for inflation in the sector. As he scorned, “The American public is tired of being played for suckers…I’ve had enough of what they call shrinkflation. It’s a rip-off.” Some food makers are making more money but others are losing profits, just like any economic sector. There are falling commodity costs for grains, but rising expenses for inputs like sugar, cocoa, and beef.  However, a large share of the cost increases is President Biden’s favorite constituency – labor. To his applause, 22 states have mandated increases in the minimum wage. California has o...

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Summary of Futures

Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.47/bushel, up $0.0325 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Wheat closed at $5.155/bushel, up $0.0575 from yesterday's close.  Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.5325/bushel, up $0.04 from yesterday's close.  Mar 26 Soymeal closed at $301.9/short ton, up $0.8 from y...

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From WPI Consulting

Infrastructure investment due diligence

On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.

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