World Perspectives

State Control of Markets – Russia; State Control of Markets – U.S

State Control of MarketsRussia’s agriculture ministry recently “suggested” that grain exporters not sell wheat internationally below the minimum price of $250/MT FOB. The minimum price approach is less clumsy than export quotas but is a harder stop than Moscow’ use of export taxes to try and manage domestic food supplies. The initiative is a throw back to the Soviet era when government control over agriculture was more pervasive. Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. President George H.W. Bush sought to normalize relations. Gorbachev asked for help in agriculture and when the translation arrived at USDA, it sounded as if they wanted to learn how to better run their agriculture ministry. USDA officials provided their Soviet counte...

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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.

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