China is set to implement retaliatory tariffs on a variety of U.S. goods starting as soon as today, further intensifying trade tensions between the two economic giants. The new tariffs, ranging from 10 to 15 percent will target American exports such as crude oil, liquefied natural gas, farm equipment, as well as other key products. These measures were announced last week in direct retaliation for new tariffs on Chinese imports, including the 10 percent additional tariff on imported Chinese goods that came into force after the leaders of Mexico and Canada were able to negotiate a 30-day pause on the implementation of 25 percent duties on goods bound for the U.S. Trump declared last week that the fentanyl crisis in America constituted a &ldqu...
Beef packer margins deteriorated to $156.75/head last week, down $46.05 from the prior week as fed cattle prices strengthened while gains in the Choice cutout were comparatively modest. The Choice cutout increased...
What You Need to Know Today: Oil prices moved higher early Monday before giving back some of their gains after drone attacks forced the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, a critical route for bypassing constrained shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption puts rou...
Key Takeaways: Expected returns to production for U.S. cow-calf producers have shifted lower from prior forecasts as cattle values fall and feed costs rise. Producer revenues are forecast 1 percent below our August outlook and will be 1.2 percent below 2025 levels. Feed costs have lessen...
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.