Supply Chain Research

Thailand’s devastating floods, after the worst rains in 10 years, will likely disrupt exports of rubber and derived products, particularly tires. Panjiva data shows exports of tires to the U.S. totalled around $1.32 billion over the 12 months to October 31, or 10% of the total. Growth in the fourth quarter of 17% in U.S.-bound shipments was the result of the arrival in the market of output from Thai factories owned by Chinese manufacturers including Linglong Tire and Sentury Tire. These had displaced Yokohama, Sumitomo and Bridgestone. They will be left trying to meet retailer demand fro...