Supply Chain Research

Exports by the big seven Japanese automakers fell 3% in June vs. a year earlier, marking the first decline since October 2017. That compared to a 10% improvement in the prior three months and was due to a marked slowdown at Nissan (down 27%) and Toyota (4% lower). Extreme weather may have disrupted production in Japan, and hence exports, in July. Shipments to the U.S. appear to have been prioritized with arrivals during June rising 14% on a year earlier, the fastest rate since January 2017. That may represent automakers attempting to preempt America’s planned section 232 duties. Meetings...