Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 13.8 percent higher in December 2010 than in December 2009, reaching $66.5 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.


BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico fell 2.2 percent in December 2010 from November 2010. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors. Surface transportation includes freight moved by rail and pipeline as well as by truck. In December, 84.8 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 December was up 12.6 percent compared to December 2005, and up 48.6 percent compared to December 2000. Imports in December were up 41.9 percent compared to December 2000, while exports were up 57.7 percent.

U.S. Surface Transportation Trade with Canada

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $39.8 billion in December, up 12.2 percent compared to December 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 17.7 percent higher in December 2010 compared to December 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 10.4 percent higher during this period. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in December with $4.7 billion.

U.S. Surface Transportation Trade with Mexico

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $26.8 billion in December, up 16.3 percent compared to December 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 16.3 percent higher in December 2010 than December 2009 while the value of exports carried by truck was 18.7 percent higher. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in December with $9.5 billion.