Supply Chain Research

Australia’s trade deficit in August was 7% below economists expectations at A$2.01 billion vs. A$2.12 billion in July, official figures show. Yet, this may be explained by restatements of July’s figures rather than better exports or lower imports. Exports fell 3% on a year earlier, with shipments to China down 6% and the U.S. 16%. The latter may be explained by weaker demand for consumer items such as wine, and faces a further 32% drop in seaborne shipments in September, Panjiva data shows. Weakness in Chinese demand may be due to iron ore shipments, though recent export surveys suggest ...