With China’s economic data scheduled to be released tomorrow, the U.S. has made yet another round of adjustments to the pending 10 percent tariffs on additional imports from that country. When the bilateral trade talks broke down in May, President Trump announced that he’d proceed with new tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports. A list of those products was published on 17 May, and, the president announced on 1 August that the duties would go into effect on 1 September. Today, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that some products would be exempted based on health, safety and national security considerations. Other goods that are mostly imported (75 percent or more) from China will be exempted until 15 Dece...
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: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
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.