Trade using surface transportation between the United States and Canada and Mexico was 15.7% higher in May 2011 than in May 2010, totaling $77.3 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.


BTS, part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico, the U.S.'s North American Free Trade Agreement partners, in May 2011 rose 61.5% in two years from May 2009, but has still only risen 4.3% above the early recession level of May 2008.

The value of U.S. surface-hauled trade with Canada and Mexico in May increased by 17.2% when compared to May 2006, and also increased by 55.9% when compared to May 2001, a period of 10 years. Imports in May were up 46.4% since May 2001, while exports were up 68.5%. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors, BTS said.


Surface transportation includes freight movements by truck, rail, pipeline, mail and other means. In May, 84.8% of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved via land, 11.1% moved by vessel, and 4.1% moved by air.


U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade both increased compared to May 2010, with U.S.-Canada reaching $46.3 billion, a 15.1% increase, and U.S.-Mexico reaching $31.0 billion, a 16.6% increase.

For more information: www.bts.gov