U.S. pork producers are asking for zero duty access into the Chinese market, saying it would reduce the trade deficit by 6 percent. Without doubt, U.S. pork sales would increase if allowed unfettered access into China. Pork prices were generally higher in China before the outbreak of ASF (see graph below) and have only become more precious in the wake of the crisis. Of course, European prices are also very competitive, and they have had their role in meeting the rapidly growing animal protein imports by the Middle Kingdom. China’s pork imports in October were double the amount for the same period a year ago. Other countries adversely impacted by ASF are also good potential sources for imports. For example, Vietnam says it will...
What You Need to Know Today: The conflict between the U.S. and Iran continues to escalate with the two sides exchanging attacks over the weekend. President Trump said Iran “will pay” for recent attacks that claimed the lives of U.S. troops stationed in Jordan. There are some signs...
Key Takeaways: Russia’s diesel export ban is tightening global fuel supplies and increasing dependence on alternative exporters. Limited refining capacity and logistical constraints make diesel markets especially sensitive to supply disruptions. Diesel supply disruptions are more difficu...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.