The word from the Panjiva research team: trade activity increased in May. Specifically, the numbers of waterborne shipments coming into the U.S. experienced a 5% month-over-month increase from April to May. Previous years’ April to May changes: -2% in 2012, 8% in 2011, 12% in 2010, 3% in 2009, 6% in 2008.

The number of global manufacturers shipping to the U.S. went up as well, 5% from April to May. April to May changes in previous years: 0% in 2012, 6% in 2011, 9% in 2010, 2% in 2009, 3% in 2008.

Stay tuned for shipment data in July, when we’ll see if the number of shipments continue to increase in line with seasonal trends.