The historical criticism is that America’s economic interests have taken a backseat to national security objectives, and despite his rhetoric demanding fairer trade, Trump looks to be making the same calculation as his predecessors. Foreign = Trade Trouble China has started importing U.S. beef, albeit in small amounts and under onerous requirements. Now there is hope that poultry will soon flow, and a rice trade protocol is near completion. However, President Trump has now sanctioned a Chinese state bank that was undermining U.N. sanctions against North Korea, and he signed off on weapons sales to Taiwan – though not on any real offensive firepower. Still, his focus on aggressive foreign policy heightens the risk of problems with trade. T...
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: China’s state-run COFCO, in statements on Tuesday, implied that U.S. corn exports were currently uneconomical but hinted that the Middle Kingdom would import 3.5 MMT of the feed grain this year, with 1 MMT likely sourced from the U.S. Another drone attack has...
Tanker-tracking data shows a smaller recovery in oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz than previously thought. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, speaking by video to an international energy conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said that oil moving through the strait was back to 80 to 90 percent...
Key Takeaways: While soybean, palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils dominate global vegetable oil markets, premium oils such as olive, avocado, coconut, and sesame command substantially higher prices due to their distinctive flavors, nutritional characteristics, and specialized culinary uses.. Ol...