Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners, Canada and Mexico, was 4.5 percent higher in August 2008 than in August 2007, reaching $72.3 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 rose 0.9 percent in August from July. (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 in August was up 60.5 percent compared to August 2003, and up 101.9 percent compared to August 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in August were up 107.5 percent compared to August 1998, while exports were up 95.2 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $46.8 billion in August, up 8.6 percent compared to August 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 6.1 percent lower in August 2008 than August 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 1.0 percent higher.

Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in August with $5.8 billion.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $25.5 billion in August, down 2.4 percent compared to August 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 8.2 percent lower in August 2008 than August 2007 while the value of exports carried by truck was 4.5 percent higher.

Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in August with $8.3 billion.

More info: www.bts.gov