Supply Chain Research

The U.S. ITA has issued duty orders against ESB rubber exports from four countries. The case, launched in July 2016, was only partially successful. Imports from the four fell 65% in July vs. the start of the case, with those from Mexico only dropping 9%. Additionally in the past quarter imports from other countries outside the investigation have climbed 59%, suggesting buyers are finding other sources. That has come at a cost for them. The import value per ton climbed 14% in the past three months vs. 2Q 2016, raising tire manufacturers’ expenses and in turn the price of tires for consume...