Supply Chain Research

The U.S. ITA has delayed a decision in a case looking at subsidies for Chinese exports of steel tool boxes to September 8 from July 5. While the petitioner cited a need for more time to gather data, the delay puts a decision after the likely announcement of a new steel trade policy. U.S. imports of steel toolboxes fell 20% in June compared to April when the case was launched. The approach of delaying cases joins three others in aerospace, steel and biofuels in the last month alone. The moves may therefore be tactical, rather than technical.