Supply Chain Research

The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to proceed with investigations into imports of aluminum foil and silicon metal, the first two petitions under the Trump administration. The decision, made within 20 days, is somewhat quicker than normal, but has yet to formally diverge from a schedule that would result in duties only in December this year. They may be test cases for Secretary Ross’s determination to accelerate reviews. Chinese exporters of aluminum foil sent 36% more product to the U.S. in January than a year earlier. That was similar to levels seen globally, suggesting no “rus...