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Trade & Market Updates 🌍📉
President Trump has temporarily paused tariffs on Mexican imports under the USMCA agreement, exempting them from his recently imposed 25% tariff until April 2. The decision came after a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who reported a 41% drop in fentanyl seizures at the border from January to February. Later, Trump extended the same exemption to Canadian imports under the trade deal. His shifting stance on tariffs has created market uncertainty, weakening consumer confidence and causing financial markets to plunge on Thursday—Dow -1%, S&P 500 -1.8%, Nasdaq -2.6%.📉
The U.S. is moving to impose docking fees on Chinese-linked vessels and pressuring allies to follow suit or risk retaliation. This effort aims to strengthen domestic shipbuilding and reduce China’s influence in global shipping. The draft order also includes tariffs on Chinese cargo-handling equipment. Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative's office recommended fees of up to $1.5 million on Chinese-built ships entering U.S. ports following an investigation into China’s dominance in global shipping. 🚢⚖️
Amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, Brazil 🇧🇷 is poised to increase its agricultural exports to China. Earlier this week, Trump raised tariffs on China by 10%, prompting China to retaliate with 15% tariffs on $21 billion worth of U.S. agricultural products, including meat and soybeans. Chinese importers may now favor tariff-free grains & protein from Brazil. A similar shift occurred during Trump's first term, when the U.S.-China trade war led to a major decline in U.S. soybean exports to China, a market share the U.S. never fully recovered. These new tariffs, though lower than before, may accelerate China’s move away from U.S. agricultural supplies. 🌾🇨🇳
U.S. corn exports increased last week, with 909,100 MT (36 million bushels) sold—up 15% from the previous week but down 32% vs. the 4-week average. Japan was the largest buyer. Soybean sales reached 352,900 MT (13 million bushels), down 14% weekly but stable vs. the 4-week average, with China as the top buyer. Wheat sales hit 338,700 MT (12 million bushels), up 26% weekly but down 25% vs. the 4-week average, with Mexico leading purchases. 📊🌽🫘
The USDA's latest drought monitor reveals worsening drought in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, with below-average snowfall in Minnesota raising concerns. Currently, 43% of the Corn Belt is experiencing drought, up from 32% in January. The High Plains remained mostly dry, with drought expanding in Kansas & Oklahoma. 🔥🌾
The USDA reported a flash sale of 20,000 MT of soybean oil on Thursday for delivery in 2024/2025, mirroring a similar sale on Tuesday. 🚀
