Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Developments in Weather, Trade, and Market Trends

This week on Expana, headlines brought together a dynamic mix of extreme weather, evolving trade disputes, and shifts across consumer and corporate landscapes. A major winter storm disrupted US infrastructure and supply chains, while new tariff threats reshaped trade flows in seafood, agriculture, and manufacturing. Together, these developments highlight growing pressures across food, commodities, and retail sectors worldwide. Below, Expana presents the top 10 stories influencing markets, trade, and consumer sentiment this week- In no particular order.

10. Winter Storm Grips Much...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Stories Making Waves Across Global Markets

Throughout the week, Expana’s team of dedicated journalists connects the industry with the “how” behind market dynamics, providing a comprehensive space for the market-moving stories shaping global headlines.

With so much information to filter through, Expana is connecting the dots with its weekly roundup of the top ten stories making waves — in no particular order.

10. USDA Launches New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

The USDA announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge following reports that the flesh-eating parasitic...

ANALYSIS: Australia’s 2025 Beef Exports Soar to New Highs at 1.54M MT

Australia’s total beef exports in 2025 soared past 1.5 million metric tons (mt), surpassing previous records, according to data from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

On an annual basis, export volumes rose a solid 15.0% year-on-year (YOY) or 202,189 mt...

Vertical Cold Storage's Strategic Expansion with First Customs Bonded Warehouse

In today's global trade environment, customs bonded warehousing has become increasingly appealing to businesses seeking financial flexibility.

Tariffs can significantly inflate costs, but by deferring duties until products are sold in the US market or re-exported, companies can optimize cash flow and gain strategic operational advantages.

Vertical Cold Storage, a leader in cold storage and logistics for the food and beverage industry, is marking an achievement with the full licensing of its first customs bonded warehouse.

The company strategically chose to expand at its...

NCBA Testifies at Trade Hearing Investigation on Brazil

Urges US Trade Officials to Hold Brazil Accountable for Unfair Practices

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs Kent Bacus testified at a Section 301 investigation hearing regarding Brazil’s trade practices. The hearing, convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and held at the U.S. International Trade Commission, examined the Brazilian government’s trade policies and actions for unreasonable, discriminatory harm to U.S. commerce. NCBA focused attention on Brazil’s restrictions on U.S. beef and our long-standing concerns with the...

Global Dairy Trade Index Falls Below Market Expectations

The Global Dairy Trade (GDT) index dropped by 4.3% on September 2, clearing at $4,043/MT, from $4,291 on August 19.

The total volume sold increased from the previous event to 41,465 metric tons (MT), despite fewer participating bidders. Lactose was once again not offered at the event. Prices for the products were all down but for cheddar, which rose by 3.6% to $4,709/MT. It is the first increase in cheddar since June.

Butter milk powder fell by 6.3% to $2,868 MT from...

Product Showcase Connects US Meat Exporters with Buyers from Across Latin America

Ag industry leaders also meet buyers, learn about the cuts and variety meat items in demand in Latin America and take a retail tour in Guatemala City.

USMEF conducted another highly successful Latin American Product Showcase, connecting U.S. red meat exporters with dozens of prospective buyers from Central and South America. Held July 30-31 in Guatemala City, the 13th edition of the showcase featured 67 exhibitors and representatives from more than 80 USMEF member companies. With prospective buyers participating from 18 countries...

Inside the Mind of a Procurement Strategist: Former Kellanova CPO Looks at Key Trends

At Expana’s Agri-Food Americas event on September 23-24 in Chicago, procurement critical thinking and business solution finding will take center stage. Expert insights will be given and many networking opportunities will be enabled for attendees, who are all faced with disruptive trade shits and global agricultural commodity supply chain woes. 

The ambition is for agri-food leaders to unite, discuss, seek expert overviews, and gain some sense of direction and clarity they can ultimately take back home and apply to their procurement strategies.