Supply Chain Research

Japan’s international trade slowdown accelerated in October with a 12.0% year over year slide following an 8.7% drop in 3Q. Imports led the way with a 14.7% slump while exports fell for an 11th straight month by 9.2%. The latter has been driven in part by worsened relations with South Korea, exports to which slumped 23.1% lower ahead of political discussions between the two countries which have so far struggled to make progress. Japan’s downturn is common to that seen across Asia and has been driven by both industrial materials – with chemicals down 9.7% year over year – and capital good...