The outlook for trade from U.S. managers became more upbeat in October, with the ISM’s measure of both export and import activity increasing. Import expectations moved back to positive territory after two months of contraction. The survey result for exports improved at the same time as actual exports increased 0.6% on a year earlier. Globally the picture is more balanced. While American and German managers have become more optimistic about the outlook for exports, Chinese managers have become pessimistic and more focussed on domestic sourcing.