Supply Chain Research

U.S. auto sales inched ahead in December with a 0.1% rise in sales, capping a year that has seen growth of just 0.3% compared to 2017 to reach 17.2 million vehicles. Overseas manufacturers likely outperformed domestics – full details aren’t available due to the government shutdown. Exporters to the U.S. may be anticipating a further slowdown with seaborne shipments having fallen by 1.2% year over year in December. The main unknown for overseas automakers is the impact of the section 232 review of the industry where the Commerce Department is due to report on Feb. 17. That’s likely to foc...