Supply Chain Research

The U.S. advance trade-in-goods deficit increased for a 19th straight month in April after a 2% growth. The outcome of $68 billion was 8% lower than economists expected after export growth of 10% outstripped imports’ 7%. The former was largely the result of a rise in energy exports, which may have increased by 44% to set a new record. Increased exports to China could drive that growth further if Commerce Secretary Ross’s trade mission to China on June 2 is successful. The slowest rate of expansion in imports since September was due to unchanged automotive shipments and a slide in consume...