International trade remained high in August, according to researchers from Panjiva. The numbers of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. were nearly perfectly flat from July to August 2013. Previous years’ July to August changes were: -3% in 2012, 4% in 2011, 4% in 2010, 3% in 2009, and 0% in 2008.
The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. also stayed flat in August, 0% change from July to August. July to August changes in previous years: -1% in 2012, 2% in 2011, 1% in 2010, 1% in 2009, and -1% in 2008.
July 2013 had 1,230,726 shipments entering the U.S. – the highest shipment levels Panjiva has reported since it started tracking shipments. August was “just a touch down from July – but still our second-highest month ever at 1,227,729 shipments,” Panjiva reported. “This supports our position that retailers are feeling optimistic about the holiday shopping season. Hopefully we’re headed for a very strong Q4 for the retail sector.”
