MFN Conflicts China announced 859 tariff lines that will see reduced import duties effective 1 January but these will not solely benefit the U.S. Governments can punish specific foreign countries and their suppliers of goods but, without the exclusivity of a free trade agreement, it is much more difficult under the WTO to single out a specific foreign supplier for privileged access into a country. Most Favored Nation (MFN) status requires a country to provide any concessions, privileges, or immunities granted to one nation to all other WTO members. Without specific tariff benefits, U.S. suppliers will have to be price competitive if they are to achieve substantial increases in exports to China. Alternatively, Beijing could “advise&rd...
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...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
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.