The U.S. is a major meat producer and exporters, and global demand has been growing. At the same time, competition has been growing and U.S. market share has been declining, though less for poultry than for beef. Brazil is a low-cost producer and has been a preferred provider for China where much of the growth has occurred. Animal protein is also a primary target for nontariff barriers, where the sector argues trade agreements are important for removing those that are arbitrary and capricious. Japan has just lifted a 20-year ban on beef from Canada imposed due to BSE. Both countries belong to the CPTPP. Even without a trade agreement, Japan provided access to U.S. beef equivalent to what it would have gained via belonging CPTPP. ...
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.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...