Supply Chain Research

Chinese managers’ outlook for trade remained positive in December, with export expectations of 50.1% (over 50 indicates expansion) and imports at 50.3%. Yet, these were both a little lower than a month earlier and overall activity was worse than expected by economists. Continued expansionary expectations for imports likely supported strong export growth in South Korea in December, and would be a welcome salve for Japanese exporters who experienced 16 months of declines through November. Meanwhile, Chinese expectations for export growth are not as positive as those held by American and Ge...