Surface Trade with Canada and Mexico Rises 16.3 Percent

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 of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 6.5 percent in February from January. However, the agency notes that month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.

The value of U.S. 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.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $45 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.

U.S.-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 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.