World Perspectives

Lighthizer Reactions; Locality Bullying

Politicians try all kinds of ways to benefit special interests, particularly domestic ones. Nationalism and localism are common and tend to distort trade. The concern is that this course ultimately corrodes the international competitiveness of those it favors. Lighthizer Reactions Robert Lighthizer is Donald Trump’s pick to be the next U.S. Trade Representative, an appointment that was met with mixed reviews in the Washington trade community. So-called free traders are aghast, viewing his work on behalf of steel manufacturers as an effort to manage the market or, more derisively, conduct “industrial planning.” As one Japanese headlined blared, “Trump cements protectionist stance with trade rep pick.” Others who worked with him in the 1980...

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Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.24/bushel, up $0.0025 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Wheat closed at $5.225/bushel, down $0.0175 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $10.255/bushel, down $0.12 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $284/short ton, down $0.7 fro...

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From WPI Consulting

Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming

WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.

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