Supply Chain Research

China’s government will outlaw the use of single-use plastics over the next five years, potentially driving a surge in exports as producers of plastic bags among other products look for new markets. The U.S., which has yet to implement a national policy, may be one target. U.S. imports of plastic bags fell 27.4% year over year in the 12 months to Nov. 30 to $830 million. That reflects the imposition of tariffs which will remain in place under the phase 1 trade deal. Total demand remains robust, shown by a 6.4% rise in shipments from Canada and Mexico. Discount retailers are among the big...