NAFTA surface trade on rise in February

May 2, 2008
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners, Canada and Mexico, was 16.3 percent higher in February

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners, Canada and Mexico, was 16.3 percent higher in February 2008 than in February 2007, reaching $69.4 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the Department of Transportation.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 6.5 percent in February from January. 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.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in February was up 58.3 percent compared to February 2003, and up 89.5 percent compared to February 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in February were up 104.8 percent compared to February 1998, while exports were up 72.5 percent.

US-Canada trade

United States-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $45.0 billion in February, up 18.1 percent compared to February 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 7.1 percent higher in February 2008 than February 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 10.2 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in February with $6.5 billion.

US-Mexico trade

United States–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $24.4 billion in February, up 13.3 percent compared to February 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 10.0 percent higher in February 2008 than February 2007 while the value of exports carried by truck was 12.5 percent higher. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in February with $7.6 billion.