Markets Articles
Working Group to Evaluate Biotech Corn Dispute
Published April 11, 2023
The Mexican government has created a working group to investigate the impact of biotech corn imports on the human food supply. The United States is challenging Mexico’s attempt to restrict GMO corn imports. Mexico typically imports 17 million tons of…Trade Tensions Ease Between China & Australia
Published April 11, 2023
China is taking steps to end a trade dispute with Australia over barley exports. Australia challenged China’s 80 percent duty on its barley with the World Trade Organization. With this agreement, China will drop these duties and Australia will stop…What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets
Published April 10, 2023
In this week's edition of What's Hot, What's Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says the cattle market is continuing to contract highs. "Packers are short bought and that's helping to drive that market." Dry…Ag Trade Deficit Forecast
Published April 10, 2023
The current agricultural trade surplus may turn into a deficit later this year. "We're not talking about breaking records each month like we were at this time last year," said Bart Kenner, USDA economist. Kenner said export numbers have slipped…Labor Issues Continue at West Coast Ports
Published April 10, 2023
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have reopened after a 24-hour work stoppage late last week. The dockworkers have been working without a contract since last summer and were looking for leverage in the negotiations. The ports of…Tensions Escalate in Southeast Asia
Published April 10, 2023
China is stepping up its military drills near Taiwan with naval and aerial blockades. This military exercise began over the weekend after Taiwan’s president met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. China considers Taiwan as its territory and the issue…Argy Implements ‘Soy Dollars’
Published April 10, 2023
To boost farm exports and pump more dollars into the economy, Argentina is creating a preferential exchange rate for the sale of soybeans. This same situation happened twice in the past year. The new rate is being applied immediately as…Russia’s Involvement in Black Sea Grain Deal in Jeopardy
Published April 10, 2023
Russia’s foreign minister is hinting his country may opt out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Last month, Russia agreed to a 60-day extension rather than the previous term of 120 days. The Russian official said Moscow will reconsider its…U.S. to Shore Up Support for Russian Sanctions
Published April 10, 2023
The Biden Administration will be in Europe later this month, meeting with countries still doing business with Russia. They will outline the penalties for failing to comply with international sanctions. The trade restrictions were imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.