World Perspectives

Trade versus Aid; Precision without Precise Tools

Trade versus Aid Former New Zealand Trade Ambassador Mike Moore made note that through most of the multilateral trade negotiations, developing countries had never been asked to offer any concessions. Instead, rich countries led the negotiations, made their own concessions and then gave some breadcrumbs to the poor countries. As a result, the developing countries still see this as the primary function of the WTO. Unable to reach a consensus on most issues ahead of the MC-12 ministerial, DG Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has a draft text that mostly says that members will continue best endeavors to reach an agreement.  The failure to include a permanent concession to public stockholding has upset developing countries. One coordinator for a bloc o...

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Lots To Do for Congress When They Return to Washington

Congress is in recess this week ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays, with much yet to do, including ending a partial shutdown and considering the “skinny” farm bill. Congress is scheduled to return on 13 April, though that may change, especially if the Homeland Security fundin...

China Market Analysis

SPS Barriers India’s rice exports to China have been accelerating, but Beijing recently rejected three shipments of non-Basmati rice, citing genetically modified content. The technical rejection is notable because China’s Certification and Inspection Group had already pre-cleared th...

Forlorn or Failure; Fertile or Futile; AI Impacts; Dirty Dozen Disinformation

Forlorn or Failure The spin from the WTO on the organization’s recent MC14 meetings was that a lot of decisions were adopted, progress was made, and while the event “ran out of time,” new commitments on outstanding issues can still be made in Geneva. Director-General Ngozi Oko...

Lots To Do for Congress When They Return to Washington

Congress is in recess this week ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays, with much yet to do, including ending a partial shutdown and considering the “skinny” farm bill. Congress is scheduled to return on 13 April, though that may change, especially if the Homeland Security fundin...

China Market Analysis

SPS Barriers India’s rice exports to China have been accelerating, but Beijing recently rejected three shipments of non-Basmati rice, citing genetically modified content. The technical rejection is notable because China’s Certification and Inspection Group had already pre-cleared th...

Forlorn or Failure; Fertile or Futile; AI Impacts; Dirty Dozen Disinformation

Forlorn or Failure The spin from the WTO on the organization’s recent MC14 meetings was that a lot of decisions were adopted, progress was made, and while the event “ran out of time,” new commitments on outstanding issues can still be made in Geneva. Director-General Ngozi Oko...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Prospective Planting and Quarterly Stocks Reports Preview

The 2026 USDA Prospective Plantings Report is scheduled for release tomorrow. The report surveys farmer planting intentions for major crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. It also asks about 2025 planted and prevent-plant acres. This report gives the first real snapshot of what planted ac...

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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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