Supply Chain Research

The U.S. ITC has confirmed the dumping of Chinese exports of steel carton-closing staples harmed American industry, allowing duties to be applied. Despite a rate of up to 263% being assessed there has so far been no major impact on U.S. supplies. Indeed, imports in the first quarter climbed 10% on a year earlier including a 16% rise in shipments from China. That pattern continued in April and suggests either rates have not been set high enough, that Chinese manufacturers are more profitable than assessed or that demand – linked to global trade – has surged.