Supply Chain Research

U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer’s first major public speech reaffirmed a large part of the Trump administration’s trade agenda. There were specific mentions of the auto industry, concerns about China’s “mercantilist” trade approach and the section 301 review of China’s IP trade policies. Autos is arguably the largest area where the U.S. can cut its trade deficit, with opportunities in the ongoing NAFTA and KORUS trade agreement reviews. A slowdown in imports is already underway, with imports up by just 3% in the three months to July 31 on a year earlier. There was a possible 7% drop...