World Perspectives

What the Trade Deficit Says about the U.S. Economy

USDA released its weekly sales report last week with some mixed news, but another trade report has some interesting insights into the overall economy: the August international trade report from the Department of Commerce.  The U.S. trade deficit in all goods and services was $54.9 billion in August; that compares to a deficit of $54 billion in July.  Exports actually increased $500 million in August (0.2 percent), but imports rose faster at $1.3 billion (0.5 percent).   The most important economic indicator from this is that the total volume of trade increased.  Indeed, from an economic perspective, the total volume of trade is an important indicator as it reflects the trend in overall economic activity.  Augu...

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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.

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