Shifting NAFTA Implications Trade consultant Dan Pearson notes that the USITC’s analysis (see Gambling Everything; 03 December) of the USMCA could indicate a negative economic impact relative to NAFTA. This outcome is possible due to USMCA’S protectionist provisions such as the rules of origin for automobiles. In that case, President Trump’s threat to cancel NAFTA would be necessary since it would make no agreement worse than the only other option available - USMCA. The Democrats have historically been more negative toward NAFTA, and so it is notable that incoming House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) says that terminating that agreement “would be a big mistake.” If the USMCA is negative relati...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
Tomorrow is the Juneteenth federal holiday, and the USDA, along with the rest of the federal government and the CME, will be closed, so the monthly Cattle on Feed report was released a day early. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity on 1 June amounted...
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.