Global trade activity declined significantly from January to February, according to Panjiva, the global trade and overseas supplier analyst firm. Its February monthly data report states that the number of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 20% month-over-month decline from January to February. The analysts note that in years past they’ve seen Chinese New Year-related declines from January to February (-15% in 2011, -4% in 2010, -19% in 2009, -1% in 2008).
The report adds that 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.
In addition, Panjiva’s quarterly Trendspotting report on macro level trends from Q4 of 2011 (using U.S. Census data) highlights the following market figures:
• Toys, games and sports equipment shipments are down 13% quarter-to-quarter (specifically for video games);
• Sweater shipments (knitted apparel) are down, likely due to the warm winter.
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