The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity experienced a noticeable seasonal decline from November to December.  Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 7% month-over-month decrease from November to December.  November-to-December changes have varied widely in recent years: -14% in 2010, +3% in 2009, -8% in 2008, and -3% in 2007.

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. dipped 4% from November to December.  November-to-December changes in previous years: -9% in 2010, +3% in 2009, -5% in 2008, and -1% in 2007.

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 decreased slightly from 28% to 27%.

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 December, there were 94,572 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 December, there were 81,108 significant buyers.