World Perspectives

Unnecessary Protectionism; Solving the Wrong Problem; GSP Leverage

Unnecessary Protectionism The pro-trade group, Hinrich Foundation, correctly calculates that the relative commercial strengths of the U.S. and Brazil make them perfect free trade agreement partners. After all, the U.S. is more competitive in capital goods, consumer products and machinery, while Brazil’s strengths are in agriculture, intermediate goods and minerals. The difference in the two countries’ Revealed Comparative Advantage is just 16 percent, yet Brazil imposes border protection that is nearly 4,000 percent greater. Indeed, if Brazil has a comparative advantage in animal products, hides and skins and vegetables, why does it need to impose tariff rates on these products that are an average 250 greater?  Solving...

Related Articles
feed-grains

Not an Orphan Crop

Sorghum marketers often characterize their commodity as an ancient grain that is drought tolerant. They deflect comments that it is an orphan crop, grown locally for local consumption. They may agree it is under-utilized. In fact, a slightly higher share (16%) of world sorghum production is exp...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Mercosur Regional Analysis

Wheat High temperatures in recent days have slightly accelerated crop maturity and the harvest in Argentina. Weekly harvest progress reached 12 percent, with 30 percent of the area harvested. Yields show significant variability. In some cases, yields are improving as harvesters move into t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

Once again, the major finding of Friday’s CFTC report is that funds still remain solidly bullish corn and added another 7 percent to their long position in that market. That was particularly impressive as the week ending 19 November (the reporting deadline for the CFTC report) included days wit...

feed-grains

Not an Orphan Crop

Sorghum marketers often characterize their commodity as an ancient grain that is drought tolerant. They deflect comments that it is an orphan crop, grown locally for local consumption. They may agree it is under-utilized. In fact, a slightly higher share (16%) of world sorghum production is exp...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Mercosur Regional Analysis

Wheat High temperatures in recent days have slightly accelerated crop maturity and the harvest in Argentina. Weekly harvest progress reached 12 percent, with 30 percent of the area harvested. Yields show significant variability. In some cases, yields are improving as harvesters move into t...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

CFTC COT Report Analysis

Once again, the major finding of Friday’s CFTC report is that funds still remain solidly bullish corn and added another 7 percent to their long position in that market. That was particularly impressive as the week ending 19 November (the reporting deadline for the CFTC report) included days wit...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Black Sea Instability and Trade War Influences

There were some jitters this week as Russia and Ukraine stepped up assaults ahead of what may become talks to end the conflict. Alongside concerns about a kinetic war is the uncertainty around the incoming Trump Administration’s aggressions in trade policy.It should be noted that geopolitical u...

Image
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.

Search World Perspectives

Sign In to World Perspectives

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up