Supply Chain Research

Japan’s big seven automakers returned to expanding exports from their domestic operations on a year over basis in October, with a combined 2.9% year over year growth rate. In absolute terms that was led by a 9.0% rise in shipments by Toyota while Subaru grew by 38.2% on increased shipments of its XV crossover. The U.S. remains the most important export market for Japanese automakers with 38.9% of shipments in the 12 months to July 31. Total U.S. seaborne imports of vehicles from Japan climbed 22.2% higher in October. Mazda’s shipments grew fastest with a 124.1% rise while the aforementi...