Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 3.5 percent higher in September 2006 than in September 2005, reaching $63.3 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
BTS reported that total North American surface transportation trade fell 4.6 percent in September from August. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.
Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 90 percent of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.
Total North American surface transportation trade value in September was up 49.0 percent compared to September 2001, and up 82.2 percent compared to September 1996, a period of 10 years. Imports in September were up 92.0 percent compared to September 1996, while exports were up 70.5 percent.
US-Canada trade
United States-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $40.4 billion in September, up 0.1 percent compared to September 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 0.8 percent higher in September 2006 than September 2005, while the value of exports carried by truck was 4.3 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in September with $5.5 billion.
US-Mexico trade
US-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $22.9 billion in September, up 10.1 percent compared to September 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 10.9 percent higher in September 2006 than September 2005 while the value of exports carried by truck was 6.2 percent higher. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in September with $7.0 billion.