February Trade Data: Significant Seasonal Declines
The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity experienced declined significantly, but as expected, from January to February. Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 20% month-over-month decline from January to February. In years past, we’ve seen Chinese New Year-related declines from January to February (-15% in 2011, -4% in 2010, -19% in 2009, -1% in 2008).
The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. also went down — 12% — from January to February. January-to-February changes in previous years: -8% in 2011, -3% in 2010, -10% in 2009, and +1% 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 February, there were 93,577 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 February, there were 80,441 significant buyers.