The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity experienced a healthy bump in July. Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 9% month-over-month increase from June to July. Previous year’s June to July changes: +5% in 2011, +2% in 2010, +12% in 2009, +8% in 2008.

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. went up — +5% — from June to July. June-to-July changes in previous years: +2% in 2011, +0.2% in 2010, +7% in 2009, and +6% in 2008.

Additional notes:

• The percentage of significant manufacturers on the Panjiva Watch List remained steady 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 July, there were 96,644 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 82,767 significant buyers.