Updating Japan Rice The Nikkei reported today that Japanese Prime Minster Shinzō Abe's government plans to change the country's rice price support mechanism in order to adapt to the dynamics of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Under the plan, rice farmers will no longer be compensated for limiting rice production under the so-called "gentan" policy, nor will they receive payments to offset low prices in the marketplace. Instead, farmers would pay into an insurance fund that would make payments during periods of lower prices.If Japan achieves this policy change, it will leave the U.S. as the only major rich country with a more market-distorting farm support policy. Europe has been moving toward decoupled payments and non-c...
The industry has spent two years bracing for GLP-1 medications to hollow out demand, but the data so far tells a more interesting story. Roughly one in eight adults currently uses a GLP-1, and an additional 29 percent of non-users say they would consider it if it became more accessible and cost...
Wow – what a week for freight markets. Things are changing incredibly rapidly as escalations in the U.S.-Iran war and the Ukraine-Russia conflict reshape global shipping risks and approaches beyond simple rate and insurance cost adjustments. Too, the Panama Canal has shifted its stance on...
WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...
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.