The word from the Panjiva research team: September showed a dip in imports to the U.S., but overall the numbers are still high. The numbers of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. dipped -6% from August to September 2013. Previous years’ August to September changes: -4% in 2012, -8% in 2011, -7% in 2010, -5% in 2009, and -5% in 2008.

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. also dipped in September, -5% decrease from August to September. August to September changes in previous years: -4% in 2012, -8% in 200, -6% in 2010, -5% in 2009, -7% in 2008, and -4% in 2007.

 

We’ve had a run of very strong months for imports to the U.S..  Although September shipments dipped – this is still the strongest September we’ve seen since we started tracking shipments trends back in 2007.  At over 1,155,000 shipments, September 2013 was 3% over any previous September.  Even though there have been some reports of weakening consumer confidence, we think we’re heading into a robust holiday shopping season.