Economy and Trade

The top scams of 2022 targeted rural and urban Americans alike.  No matter where you live, scammers are constantly trying to find ways to con you out of your money.   “Scammers don’t care where you are from," said the AARP's Sean Voskuhl.  "They will tailor their ...

It’s been a downward week for oil prices, with prices dropping roughly $10 per barrel in the past seven days.  West Texas Crude was trading in the mid-$60 range in Monday’s action.  Patrick DeHaan with GasBuddy said last week, oil investors were concerned about the health of the U.S. economy.  He noted that conc...

America’s top food and ag organizations representing thousands of farmers, ranchers, producers, and workers sent a letter to Congress recently urging action to improve ag exports.  More than 50 of the most influential food and ag groups urged lawmakers to pass Trade Promotion Authority.  TPA is regula ...

Helios Artificial Intelligence, Inc. recently launched the open beta of its platform that will identify agricultural supply chain disruptions ahead of time.  The company’s founder and CEO says they’ve created a one-stop platform for agricultural importers to understand the risks to their supply chain and get ahead of their competitors.   Helios offic...

Last week, the USDA announced that eight companies nationwide were receiving grant dollars to beef up domestic fertilizer production.  Perfect Blend LCC, headquartered in Othello-WA, will receive part of the $29 million announced under the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.   “Today...

The USDA’s first trade mission of the year gets underway this weekend, and it will have a uniquely Northwest feel.  Members of the delegation will be in Panama Sunday the 19th though Thursday the 23rd.   “Trade missions are just one of the effective tools we have in our market development toolbox," said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor.  Taylor, the for

Doug McKalip says he is busy in his role as Chief Agricultural Negotiator with the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.  He recently noted that he has a host of priorities on his to-do list.   “The first focus would be on keeping markets we have open. A lot of work has been do...

Earlier this week, the Surface Transportation Board approved the Kansas City Southern Railway Company acquisition by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited, with conditions.  The decision includes an unprecedented seven-year oversight period and contains many conditions designed to mitigate environmental impacts, preserve competition, protect railroad workers, and promote efficient passenger rail.  Th..

The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after increasing 0.5% in January.  Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 6.0% before seasonal adjustment.  The food index increased 0.4% in February, and...

The latest federal data shows that in 2021, the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing sector employed 1.7 million people, or more than 1.1% of all U.S. nonfarm employment.  Within the U.S. manufacturing sector, food and beverage manufacturing employees accounted for the largest share of employees, 15.4%.  Acco...