Supply Chain Research

U.S. business sentiment towards international trade improved in the latest ISM survey. A rebound in export sentiment to 53.3 (where a figure over 50 represents an increase) from 47.3% a month earlier was likely the result of the U.S.-China phase 1 trade deal. It should be borne in mind though that the dollar value of increased trade in 2020 versus the 12 months to Nov. 30 that China has committed to is a modest 4.6%. Delivery of that figure may prove challenging in the light of the spread of coronavirus in China and the resulting drop in consumer demand and closure of factories. A return...