Narrow Thinking First COVID and now the war in Ukraine have reinvigorated protectionism and thoughts of self-sufficiency. However, economists studying the global agricultural commodity market say it has worked very well at redistributing food from areas of surplus to areas of deficit. Nonetheless, Mexican Agriculture Secretary Victor Villalobos announced during USDA Secretary Vilsack’s visit that his country wants to become more self-sufficient in grains. Secretary Vilsack should have responded then the U.S. will become more self-sufficient in vehicles, electrical equipment, machinery, tequila, avocadoes and other things that Mexico supplies. Food versus Fuel, Again The EU’s so-called Easter Package intended to deal wit...
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...
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.