USMCA Prospects Expecting to at least take control of the U.S. House in next month’s midterm elections, Democrats are signaling that passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is not going to be a slam dunk under their majority. They are saying that the bar is going to be “quite high.” However, it is unclear what is meant by the posturing. Some of the most notable changes in the USMCA from NAFTA are things that Democrats and labor unions have been clamoring for over the years. There are increased labor and environment standards for Mexico. The domestic content requirement for North American automobiles is moved up to 75 percent, and the ability of corporations to slip around regulatory loopholes is partially...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
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...
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.