New, Old Approach Having had its broad IEEPA approach to applying global tariffs shot down by the High Court, USTR announced yesterday that it is launching Section 301 investigations against 16 countries for unfair trading practices. Unlike IEEPA, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 has a long and grounded legal history. More cases are promised, but the initial set focuses on structural excess capacity in manufacturing. The language being used could equally apply to American agriculture. USTR produces the annual National Trade Estimates report with nearly 400 pages covering asserted unfair trading practices by around 60 countries. USTR Jamieson Greer himself said these “have been concerns for a very, very long time.” Only...
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.