Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 18.8 percent higher in July 2010 than in July 2009,
reaching $61.3 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 in July 2010 remained 14.5 percent below the July 2008 level despite the 2009-2010 increase. North American surface freight value fell 12.3 percent in July 2010 from June 2010. (Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors, BTS notes.)

Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. In July, 84.6 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in July was up 23.3 percent compared to July 2005, and up 45.6 percent compared to July 2000, a period of 10 years. Imports in July were up 34.5 percent compared to July 2000, while exports were up 60.7 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $36.3 billion in July, up 17.1 percent compared to July 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 12.6 percent higher in July 2010 compared to July 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 20.8 percent higher during this period.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $24.9 billion in July, up 21.5 percent compared to July 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 22.4 percent higher in July 2010 than July 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 22.8 percent higher.