After 18 months of an empty desk for the Special Agricultural Trade negotiator at USTR (and one withdrawn nominee), the Senate Finance Committee held a confirmation hearing last Thursday to consider Doug McKalip, President Biden’s nominee for the post. The President nominated McKalip in June. Like everything these days – and catalyzed by the upcoming Congressional election - the hearing turned political. While generally friendly toward McKalip, Republicans criticized the Administration for taking so long to get to the nomination. Conversely, Democrats criticized the Trump Administration for the China deal and USMCA for lack of enforcement and pushed McKalip to make enforcement a top priority. Republicans countered with the Admi...
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...
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.