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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...
Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline
US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET.
It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...
Top 10 Headlines on Expana in 2025—and What Could Shape the Next Year in Food and Ag
2025 was a big year for news in the food and agriculture industry. Headlines ranging from livestock diseases and sweeping policy changes to rising geopolitical tensions, shifting tariffs, weather events, and evolving consumer trends influenced commercial strategies, supply chains, and global market dynamics...
Lamb Weston Shutters One Plant, Defers to New Production in Argentina; North American Sales Flat
As of January 8, Lamb Weston will close one potato processing facility in Munro to consolidate into its newest facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina, according to a press release from the group that supplies some of the world's largest fast-food chains. While the company realizes most of its profits in North America, officials say other markets like Argentina are growing quickly.
“These actions are part of our broader strategy to improve profitability and enhance operational efficiency across our global manufacturing network..."
China Imposes Additional 55% Tariffs on Imported Beef
China today (December 31) imposed additional 55% tariffs on beef imports from countries including Brazil, Australia and the US when shipments exceed certain quotas, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM).
The tariffs will apply to imported beef, effective January 1, 2026, according to the ministry.
The measures take effect ahead of the investigation’s revised January 26 deadline, marking a sharp shift in the pace of the case, with many of the most affected suppliers caught during the year-end Christmas and New Year closures.
A Chinese importer told Expana today
China to Impose Beef Safeguards: Details Due December 30
On December 30, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) is expected to announce the final outcome of its global safeguards investigation into beef imports, with a likely implementation date of January 1, 2026, the Meat Industry Association (MIA) said in a circular. MIA, the industry association from New Zealand, has been monitoring the situation and sent out a press release to update market participants.
The measure would create country-specific tariff-rate quotas for major exporters to China allocated on a three-year reference period...
FEATURED STORIES
ANALYSIS: Weaker Output Pushes New Zealand’s 2025 Total Beef Exports to Seven-Year Low
ANALYSIS: US Special-Fed Veal Market Conditions
ANALYSIS: US Imports of Mexican Beef Firm at Start of Year
ANALYSIS: Early-2026 Turkey Slaughter Signals Stabilization, Disease Risks Cap Upside Potential
ANALYSIS: Saudi Disease Restrictions Accelerate EU Egg Market Adjustment