Supply Chain Research

The U.S. school year ends next week. The back-to-school shopping season normally starts at least two months before schools return in September. That will drive retailers to build inventory in June and July, requiring imports from May onwards. Panjiva data shows that imports of kids apparel were 10% lower on a year earlier in May. Laptop imports peak later in the year, with a mini-peak in June. Imports have been trending down for most of the year, and fell 7% in May. While negative for back-to-school spending expectations at first look, the more important data will come in June and July.<...