Supply Chain Research

U.S. business managers still have a positive attitude towards exports with the latest ISM survey showing an export order reading of 51.2 (over 50 represents expansion) from 53.3 a month earlier. The benefits of the phase 1 trade deal with China have yet to be felt. More importantly though the import reading slumped to 42.6 from 51.3, the lowest since at least 2010 and the fastest one month reversal over the period. COVID-19 coronavirus is partly to blame and is “wreaking havoc” in the computer and electronics industry and causing a “mad dash to dual source” according to one respondent. U...