The U.S. Census Bureau released its Merchandise Trade data numbers on December 10th for October 2010. The Merchandise Trade balance increased 13.9% over last October and shrank 10.3% from the previous month. Imports rose 2.3% from September and gained 16.1% over last year, while exports increased by 9.1% from the previous month and 17.2% over October 2009.

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

1. Imports of Toys and High Value items part of the reason for increase
2. Indonesia over Russia for the new BRIC
3. China trade issues
4. How Containerized shipments have fared
5. Export ports important to the U.S. economy
   

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