USDA is making another $300 million available to U.S. agricultural export marketers under the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The program was launched in 2023 with $1.2 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation and is in addition to other cost-share export assistance efforts. Farm groups complain that the strong dollar is hurting overseas sales, though the data is less clear on that point. Based on data from USDA’s Economic Research Service, during the period 2001-2013 when the dollar was depreciating over 21 percent, U.S. agricultural export value rose 150 percent and there was a -0.9 correlation.
The agency has become more precise in its analysis and now delineates the dollar’s exchang...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...
Key Takeaways: Drought remains a major threat to global agricultural production, particularly in regions with limited rainfall and growing water scarcity. Commercially available drought-tolerant traits in corn, soybeans, and wheat have generally delivered modest yield improvements, limiting th...
Key Takeaways: Peace at last in the Persian Gulf? Over the weekend, the U.S. announced and Iranian officials confirmed a peace agreement, with formal ratification set for Geneva on 19 June. The announcement means the Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen fully and toll-free within 30 days.&n...
