World Perspectives

Consumption Taxes; Food Costs and Adaptation

Consumption Taxes This analyst erroneously implied that value added taxes are cumulative through the supply chain when in fact any VAT paid on an input is deductible, thus ensuring it is the final customer paying the tax. The VAT is an important discussion point because the Trump Administration compares them to the tariffs now being applied to trading partners. According to the OECD, consumption taxes comprise 30 percent of total tax revenues, and they have been increasing in nearly 60 percent of the 38 richest countries.  The U.S. predominantly uses an income tax for government revenues, seeing consumption taxes as regressive since they tend to have greater impact on lower income consumers. Critics also argue that tariffs are inflatio...

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Record Breaking Cow-Calf Profitability for 2025

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WPI Grain Transportation Report

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Market Commentary: Mixed But Fruitful Day of Adjustments

Agricultural futures might be called mixed on the day, though that is upbeat by itself. There was a continuation of the bear wheat/bull beef story with a new contract low printed in HRS, and a new contract high in cattle. The corn market continued its rebound story on potential yield declines c...

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From WPI Consulting

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.

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