The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity experienced a healthy bump from February to March.  Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 14% month-over-month increase from February to March.  Previous year’s February to March changes: +4% in 2011, +3% in 2010, +9% in 2009, -6% in 2008). 

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. also went up — 6% — from February to March.  February-to-March changes in previous years: -0.2% in 2011, +3% in 2010, +2% in 2009, and -5% in 2008.

Additional notes:

• The percentage of significant manufacturers on the Panjiva Watch List remained at 19%.
• The percentage of significant buyers having done business with a Panjiva Watch List supplier in the preceding three months also remained at 26%.

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 March, there were 93,587 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 March, there were 80,486 significant buyers.