Future of Trump Trade Policy The U.S. has lower tariffs and fewer nontariff barriers than most other countries. The theory of Trump trade policy has involved an eye for an eye – imposing tariffs to leverage more equitable treatment. It has not worked well. South Korea, Canada and Mexico were turned, but most other countries have simply reciprocated in kind. If tariffs are punitive and harmful, it is apparently only at the margins. New Delhi is being forced to accept the loss of its nonreciprocal benefits under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), but India is among the top 20 least trade-dependent, developing countries. The latest threat of tariffs on Mexico for failing to secure the southern side of the border with the U...
What You Need to Know Today: Cattle futures extended their sharp selloff Friday as weakening cash cattle prices, deteriorating feedlot profitability, and reduced packer demand continued to weigh on the market. The inability of futures to sustain a rally following last week's bullish Cattle on...
As predicted, the Federal Reserve held rates steady at the last meeting before the midterm elections, likely in part because of the election (see WPI 19 October and 22 September). The decision comes at the tail end of a midterm election cycle that has been marked by the two parties campaigning...
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.