Business lobbyists in Washington are urging the Trump Administration to seek a less confrontational approach with Europe but White House officials wonder where is the conciliatory attitude from Brussels? The silence thus far out of Europe on the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani is viewed only as a concession if it is deliberate and not simply the result of an inability to reach a consensus opinion. The pressure on Europe begins tomorrow with a USTR hearing on retaliation against a French tax on U.S. tech firms. French President Emmanuel Macron is viewed as weakened by protests over his planned pension reforms. Next week, USTR finishes receiving comments on fully imposing Airbus retaliatory duties. Also next week, UST...
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.