Phase One Purchases Skepticism that China will meet its Phase One purchases of U.S. agricultural products is widespread and understandable. Sales thus far are just 41 percent of commitments. Yet a former USTR official involved in the Phase One negotiations is confident that China will meet its obligations. After years of dealing with Beijing, the retired career official believes China belongs in the WTO and that its leaders are committed to meeting their purchase obligations. COVID and Food Reading the coronavirus news headlines creates confusion because everyone voices their bias about food. Some say that COVID-19 will increase the market share of organic food, or it will reduce the demand for meat, increase the consumption of mea...
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
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.