Supply Chain Research

Japan’s imports jumped 9% in January, compared to a 5% rate expected by economists. This was the result of a 66% rise in oil prices as well as LNG shipments that reached their highest in two years. Export growth was much weaker, with just 1% growth compared to 5% expected. The early lunar new year had a partial effect, though shipments to China still increased 3%. The problem was the U.S. Exports fell 5%, with volumes shipped by sea falling 2% according to Panjiva data. Auto exports to the U.S. fell 40% – the Japanese auto industry is struggling even without intervention by the Trump adm...