World Perspectives
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An Era up in Smoke

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed that anyone turning 15 years of age or younger in 2024 will be banned forever from purchasing cigarettes. Eash year, the age restriction will be raised by one year. The bill also makes vapes less appealing. The goal is to start the first generation that is not hooked on smoking. A similar effort to ban tobacco products was withdrawn last year in New Zealand.  Even without such Draconian approaches, cigarette consumption has fallen in many parts of the world. In the U.S., the smoking rate has fallen by 72 percent from 41 percent in 1944 to currently 10 percent. In response, the area planted to tobacco in the U.S. has fallen by 80 percent since its peak in 1997. Farmers have switched to pr...

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FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 22 April)

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”...

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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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