Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 15.9 percent higher in July 2008 than in July 2007, reaching $71.6 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 fell 3.4 percent in July from June. 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 88 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico this July was up 68.1 percent compared to July 2003, and up 123.6 percent compared to July 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in July 2008 were up 129.8 percent compared to July 1998, while exports were up 116.2 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $46.9 billion in July, up 19.8 percent compared to July 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 2.6 percent higher in July 2008 than July 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 16.2 percent higher.

Illinois led all states in surface trade with Canada in July with $5 billion.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $24.8 billion this July, up 9 percent compared to July 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 7.2 percent higher in July 2008 than July 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 13.8 percent higher.

Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in July 2008 with $8.1 billion.