Except for an overstated IPEF, President Biden has put trade policy up on a shelf but there is knocking from all directions to put its policymaking back on a working desk. The most blistering attack comes from Robert Zoellick, a former White House, State, Treasury, USTR and World Bank intellectual who warns that the current President’s state-led protectionism will be both harmful and difficult to undo. Former U.S. House Democrat and WTO Appellate Chair James Bacchus warns there will be a high price to pay for Buy America and its protectionism. Bill Reinsch, a bipartisan former Obama Administration official takes a hopeful approach, believing that Mr. Biden is posturing and positioning for a more trade liberalizing approach once...
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) enters its mandated six-year review on 1 July. The original intent of the review is outlined in Article 34.7, which obligates members to: Provide recommendations and decide on appropriate actions. Extend the USMCA for another 16 years and meet aga...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...
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.