On January 12th, the U.S. Census Bureau released their Merchandise Trade data numbers for November. The Merchandise Trade deficit continued its yo-yoing growth/retraction trend again this month by growing 4.83% after October’s retraction of 7.36% (click here to see October's U.S. Census data update). Both export and import totals decreased from October, but exports outpaced imports by declining 3.32%. This brings the deficit to $455 billion for the year, which is still 39% lower than the same period in 2008.

Below, Zepol highlights some of the surprises and interesting notes within this month’s Merchandise Trade results.

1. Automotive Industry Continues Positive Trend
2. Manufacturing Reported Up
3. China Officially Becomes World’s Largest Exporter
4. Gas Prices Increasing Amid Reports that Oil More Abundant
5. Almonds are a Bright Spot in California

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