The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity was essentially level from September to October.  Specifically, the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 0.2% month-over-month decrease from September to October.  September-to-October changes in previous years were in the same vicinity: -2% in 2010, +3% in 2009, +1% in 2008, and -1% in 2007.

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. increased a very slight 0.4% from September to October.  September-to-October changes in previous years: -2% in 2010, +3% in 2009, +1% in 2008, and +2% in 2007.

Additional notes:

• The percentage of significant manufacturers on the Panjiva Watch List increased slightly from 20% to 21%.

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

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 October, there were 94,842 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 October, there were 81,273 significant buyers.

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