The U.S. Census Bureau released its Merchandise Trade data numbers on September 9th for July 2010. The Merchandise Trade balance increased 21.5% over last July and decreased 3.0% from the previous month. Imports fell by 2.8% from June and gained 21.5% over last year, while exports dropped by 2.7% from the previous month and increased 21.4% over July 2009.

Below is an in-depth breakdown of the U.S. Census Merchandise Trade data released last week. This month we have highlighted 5 interesting items that we found while looking at July's data; here are the highlights:

1. Import drop due to Autos and Auto Parts
2. Exports of Machinery lower the balance of trade
3. Looking at how Gulf ports fared during the spill
4. Shortage of cotton could help U.S. farmers, but hurt retailers
5. Imports of Footballs kick off the season
   

Click here for Zepol's U.S. Census Merchandise Trade Data Update for July 2010