The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity experienced another healthy bump from March to April.  Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 11% month-over-month increase from March to April.  Previous year’s March to April changes: +7% in 2011, +4% in 2010, +10% in 2009, +8% in 2008. 

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. also went up — 9% — from March to April.  March-to-April changes in previous years: +6% in 2011, +3% in 2010, +8% in 2009, and +3% 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 dropped slightly to 25%.

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 April, there were 94,095 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 April, there were 81,370 significant buyers.