China Back in the Market for U.S. Soybeans After a break during the Christmas and New Year holidays, China’s state-owned grain companies were again buying U.S. soybeans. Trade sources indicate as many as 15 shiploads totaling about 900,000 MT were purchased yesterday. However, the actual amount will not be known until the U.S. government shutdown ends and non-essential USDA employees return to their jobs. If the reported new sales are correct, the total volume purchased thus far by China since early December is almost more than 5 MMT, and it will most likely buy at least another 1 MMT. The outcome of its ongoing negotiations with the U.S. will probably determine whether China buys more. President Trump today tweeted that the negotia...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.