World Perspectives

TACO or Not; U.S. – Japan Relations; Reciprocal Trade Momentum; Nutritional Police State

TACO or Not Financial markets have again steadied following the renewed war of words between Beijing and Washington. The two competitors cannot agree on much and signals that Xi and Trump will talk this week may or may not be true. Meanwhile, more U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum kick in this week. Efforts to resolve the tariff war continue, though hope for a resolution have fallen. Pundits debate the Financial Times’ coinage of the term TACO, or Trump Always Chickens Out to characterize President Trump. Some suggest that TACO is a Trump feature and not a bug. He tests extremes to better understand limitations and responds accordingly. Others contend it is a weakness that opponents can manipulate.   U.S. – Japan Nego...

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USDA released its Egg Products report yesterday. Shell eggs broken totaled 199 million dozen during June 2025, down 2 percent from June 2024, but 2 percent above the 194 million dozen broken during May. During calendar year 2025 through June, shell eggs broken totaled 1.15 billion dozen, down 1...

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Summary of Futures

Dec 25 Corn closed at $4.1375/bushel, up $0.015 from yesterday's close.  Sep 25 Wheat closed at $5.2325/bushel, down $0.005 from yesterday's close.  Nov 25 Soybeans closed at $9.8925/bushel, down $0.065 from yesterday's close.  Dec 25 Soymeal closed at $276/short ton, up $1.5 fro...

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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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