Supply Chain Research

The U.S. trade deficit in goods increased for an eighth straight month in June compared to a year earlier, but by only 0.2% and as such was lower than economists’ expectations. Export growth of 7% outstripped imports – which rose 5% – for the first time in four months. Imports of consumer goods fell 2%, which may be a sign of a weaker consumer economy. It is too early to determine a long-term trend as the peak shipping season only starts in July. Imports of tariff-sensitive sectors including metals and autos continued to grow. Export growth was energy-led, with capital goods rising by ju...