World Perspectives

Some Clarity, But Long Haul

Trump officials this past weekend kept up the mixed messaging over whether reciprocal tariffs were merely a negotiating strategy or a permanent fixture. Breaking too fast to negotiate with other countries would look weak, and retaining tariffs is still viewed by some in the White House as necessary to rebuild American industry. Critics find either rationale insane.  It is easiest to take the anti-Trump view that he is stupid, and he has seriously miscalculated. If true, then his opponents should be celebrating. Some of his supporters certainly believe this trade war is a mistake. But for the White House, focusing just on tariffs is missing the forest for the trees. Nitpicking Trump’s tariff formula construct doesn’t obviate...

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From WPI Consulting

Forecasting developments in production agriculture

On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.

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