As WPI reported on 21 August and on 27 August, President Trump has announced a 90-day window during which up to 300,000 metric tons of product for ground beef could be imported without out-of-quota tariffs, which stand at 26.4 percent, allowing them in at 4.4 cents per kg, a move aimed at bringing down costs for American consumers. The plan would go into effect tomorrow, opening 100,000 MT per month for September, October, and November. The move to allow more imports has proven controversial, with many cattlemen and some Republican lawmakers complaining that it is a short-term bandage approach to a long-term problem. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ground beef averages $6.88 per pound at retail right now, up more than 10...
Key Takeaways: Corn and soybean prices rallied sharply last week as declining U.S. production expectations collided with strong demand, raising the prospect of tighter supplies and leaving the market with a smaller margin for further yield losses. The USDA’s lower August yield estimates...
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.