Input: Useful and Not China is reportedly taking credit for its leadership this past year in the World Trade Organization. It says it believes in the multilateral process and is committed to the reform of the organization. The latter claim is somewhat sullied by the nation’s continued claim to the same developing country exemptions from free trade obligations as WTO members with a fraction of the per capita income. Nonetheless, China’s engagement brings positive value to the broader institution and should enable a transparent debate about future rights and obligations for its membership. Separately, it is reported that Japan will begin producing its own global food production forecasts. Apparently, Japan’s Aerospace Expl...
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
Tomorrow is the Juneteenth federal holiday, and the USDA, along with the rest of the federal government and the CME, will be closed, so the monthly Cattle on Feed report was released a day early. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity on 1 June amounted...