NAFTA trade rises in September

Dec. 10, 2007
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 5.5 percent higher in September 2007

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 5.5 percent higher in September 2007 than in September 2006, reaching $66.8 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 fell 3.5 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.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in September was up 45.8 percent compared to September 2002, and up 78.4 percent compared to September 1997, a period of 10 years. Imports in September were up 88.8 percent compared to September 1997, while exports were up 66.6 percent.

US-Canada trade

US–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $42.7 billion in September, up 5.6 percent compared to September 2006. The value of imports carried by truck was 0.5 percent lower in September 2007 than September 2006, while the value of exports carried by truck was 8.5 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in September with $6.6 billion.

US-Mexico trade

US-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $24.1 billion in September, up 5.4 percent compared to September 2006. The value of imports carried by truck was 5.6 percent higher in September 2007 than September 2006 while the value of exports carried by truck was 0.8 percent lower. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in September with $7.5 billion.