The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity was essentially level (again) from October to November.  Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 0.2% month-over-month increase from October to November.  Typically, we see declines from October to November: -2% in 2010, -6% in 2009, -7% in 2008, and -5% in 2007.

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

Additional notes:

• The percentage of significant manufacturers on the Panjiva Watch List decreased slightly from 21% to 20%.
• The percentage of significant buyers having done business with a Panjiva Watch List supplier in the preceding three months also decreased slightly from 29% to 28%.

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 November, there were 94,628 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 November, there were 81,075 significant buyers.