Supply Chain Research

U.S. new vehicle sales fell to 17.5 million on an annualized basis in February, according to Wards. This was 5% lower than December’s peak and 1% below analyst expectations. Imported cars were the biggest losers. Panjiva data shows that imports from Asia excluding Japan likely fared the worse, with monthly imports dropping 11% on a year earlier. That was led by South Korea, with Kia underperforming Hyundai. The outlook may be difficult too. The free trade deal between the U.S. and South Korea has been picked out for renegotiation in the USTR’s latest policy document.