The word from the Panjiva research team: we experienced a seasonal increase in global trade activity in July.  Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced an 5% month-over-month increase from June to July.

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. was also up 2% from June to July.  This is roughly in line with previous years’ June-to-July changes: flat in 2010,  +7% in 2009, and +6% in 2008.

Additional notes:

• The percentage of significant manufacturers on the Panjiva Watch List remained steady at 20%.
• The percentage of significant buyers having done business with a Panjiva Watch List supplier in the preceding three months grew slightly from 28% to 29%.

Methodological notes:

• Manufacturers that have suffered a 50% or greater decline in volume shipped to American customers in the most recent three month period, versus the same period a year ago, are on the Panjiva Watch List.
• “Significant manufacturers” are companies that have sent 10 or more shipments to American customers within the last year. As of the end of July, there were 95,555 significant manufacturers.
• “Significant buyers” are U.S. companies that have received 10 or more shipments from overseas manufacturers within the last year. As of the end of July, there were 82,127 significant buyers.