Supply Chain Research

Mexican trade slowed in July with exports rising by 8% compared to 13% in May on a year earlier, while imports gained 7% from 15%. The trade deficit was therefore narrower than a year earlier, but indicated weakness in manufacturing industries. Importantly, ahead of NAFTA talks on September 1, the trade surplus vs. the U.S. narrowed as a result of import growth outstripping exports. That was the result of a 40% surge in imports in the auto sector, which may have reached their highest since December 2013. Yet, that rise will likely mean higher exports in August, while the Trump administra...