The ongoing talks over Brexit and the U.S.-UK trade talks can be described as a giant game of chicken, metaphorically and literally. Indeed, in the literal sense, one of the biggest issues between the U.S. and the UK is the American practice of washing chicken with chlorinated water. And when it comes to Brexit, there is a negotiating conflict with both sides bluffing and posturing to not “chicken out” and give up the upper hand in the deal. Although the UK is now officially no longer part of the EU, there are still negotiations about the custom agreement between the UK and the EU member states. Right now, the EU rules on intra-member state trade still applies, but there is a deadline for new tariffs and protocols to be in plac...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.