Global trade is down across the board, but it is not a harbinger of doom and gloom nor an indication that an inevitable recession will befall the world economy.The latest update of U.S. agricultural exports shows that the export value for major bulk ag commodities during October 2015-January 2016 is down by more than twice as much as the decline in volume. Bulk commodity export sales totaled $17.325 billion in that period, down 23 percent from $22.616 billion during October 2014-January 2015. Meanwhile, export volumes have decreased 11 percent to 52.538 MMT in the most recent October-January period from 58.783 MMT a year ago at the same time. Indeed, total U.S. goods and services exports fell overall to their lowest January level since 2011...
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...
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.