Fateful China Strategy The Chinese are quite upset that the Trump administration has not singled out their economic policies for criticism but has instead launched a broad-scale challenge to the Middle Kingdom’s approach to the external world. Trumpians are pleased that the seeds of doubt they’ve planted has the Chinese economy growing at a pace not seen in a decade. The global business community frets that decoupling the two economies may help Washington’s goal of protecting U.S. technological advantages but displaces prior investments and reduces efficiencies. Just as Mr. Trump’s challenge to Beijing has bipartisan support in Washington, it has the tacit agreement of the EU and Japan. The administration’s g...
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.
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...