Supply Chain Research

Automaker Nissan has suspended production at all its Japanese factories for two weeks due to inspection rule violations. Panjiva analysis of company financial data shows the company exported 18.7% of its 483,000 monthly average Japanese production in the past 12 months to August 31. That makes it the second largest exporter after Toyota. The last significant interruption to supplies came in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of May 2011.

Chart shows quarterly rolling total exports from Japan segmented by selected automotive manufacturers. Calculations include data from company financial statements. Source: Panjiva

Nissan runs a global supply chain, including 751 shipments by sea to the U.S. from Japan in the third quarter, Panjiva data shows, 42.0% below the same period a year earlier. That slowdown partly reflects weak auto sales, which had a stark turnaround to hit the highest in at least 20 years in September after a post-hurricane sales spike, as outlined in Panjiva research of October 4.

Chart segments U.S. seaborne imports of completed autos by Nissan by country of origin (excluding Mexico). Lower panel shows annual change in the total. Source: Panjiva

The other major source of supply is its factories in Mexico. Exports from there fell 14.6% in the quarter to August 31 on a year earlier. That included a 15.7% drop in shipments to the United  States, which represents 77.6% of the total.

The resulting spare capacity, as well as a diversion of volumes that previously shifted from Canada to South America (including Peru and Chile) could in theory be made to cover a shortfall in the U.S. sales opportunity. That may be limited by model availability and standards.

Chart segments Mexican exports of completed autos by Nissan by destination market for selected markets. Lower panel shows annual change in the total. Source: Panjiva