Supply Chain Research

U.S. business sentiment regarding import and export orders improved in February. The ISM survey for imports reached 55.3% – over 50% indicates an expansion – from 53.8% a month earlier, marking the highest reading since June. Export expectations also improved to 52.9% from 51.9% suggesting there are hopes that the U.S.-China trade war will soon be resolved and tariffs removed. Yet, export sentiment in China has worsened recently suggesting ongoing trade policy uncertainty will drive continuing business sentiment volatility.