Jones Act Waiver Energy industry representatives met with President Trump today and agriculture sector representatives should have been there as well. Not to fight over oil versus ethanol but to unify behind petroleum’s request that the President waive the Jones Act. The 100-year old Jones Act requires the carriage of cargo between U.S. ports, and a portion of American food aid sent overseas, be on U.S.-flagged vessels. Supporters of the Act say it ensures that ships adhere to U.S. labor and environmental standards, and they question giving jobs to foreign maritime operations during a COVID induced recession. The oil industry argues it would ensure their economic survival at a time when low oil prices have put companies near bankrupt...
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.