The U.S. Census Bureau released their Merchandise Trade data numbers on July 10th, 2009. The Merchandise Trade deficit decreased from $38.1 billion in April to $33.0 billion in May. These numbers are very similar to last month's update (click here to see last month's update), and it seems like the trade economy has been in a holding pattern for the last 3 months.

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

1. Oil is the main driver in the decrease of the Merchandise Trade deficit
2. Trade with China is hurting
3. Iranian Exports are still up nearly 400%
4. Auto Exports are down 57% over last year
5. Canada and Mexico hold the largest share of both Exports and Imports

Click here for Zepol’s U.S. Census Merchandise Trade Data Update for May 2009