232 Obfuscation With most steel and aluminum imports coming from strategic geopolitical partners, the Trump administration’s use of the Section 232 national security excuse for blocking imports is not only the wrong process, it is too narrowly targeted. The issue is much larger than just steel and aluminum. As clearly stated on Capitol Hill by the administration’s top economic advisor, Kevin Hassett, the problem is asymmetry for the U.S. in the overall global trading regime. China’s trade envoy in Geneva, Xiangchen Chang, warned of “escalating dangers” arising from the duties. Is there not also danger in China charging a 25 percent duty on automobile imports from the U.S. while America can only charge a...
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...
From WPI Consulting
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.