U.S. Imports 'Treading Water'

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/20/2009 12:00:00 AM

New York —

The number of international manufacturers shipping to the U.S. market slipped 1% in June compared to May, slightly less than the 2% decline seen from May to June 2008, according to tracking firm Panjiva.

"Thus, it seems that global trade now appears to be tracking its typical seasonal path, albeit at a lower absolute level of activity. Feels a bit like the global economy is treading water," the company reported.

Similarly, the numbers on the Panjiva Watch List — which tracks manufacturers that have experience a decline in U.S.-bound shipments of 50% or more over the past three-month period — were unchanged. The percentage of significant manufacturers on the Panjiva Watch List remains at 30%. The percentage of significant buyers having done business with a Panjiva Watch List supplier in the preceding three months remains at 40%.

"Significant manufacturers" are companies that have sent 10 or more shipments to American customers within the last year. As of the end of June, there were 86,616 significant manufacturers across multiple product categories. "Significant buyers" are companies that have received 10 or more shipments from overseas manufacturers within the last year. There were 72,850 significant buyers as of the end of June.