Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico in December 2006, was 0.1 percent lower than in December 2005 at $59.0 billion, according to Department of Transportation information.
It was the first decline from the same month of the previous year since August 2003.
Total North American surface transportation trade fell 8.9 percent in December from November. Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail, and pipeline. About 90 percent of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.
Total North American surface transportation trade value in December was up 54.4 percent compared to December 2001, and up 76.8 percent compared to December 1996, a period of 10 years. Imports in December were up 95.6 percent compared to December 1996, while exports were up 56.6 percent.
United States-Canada trade
United States–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $38.2 billion in December, down 2.7 percent compared to December 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 2.8 percent higher in December 2006 than December 2005, while the value of exports carried by truck was 2.6 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in December with $6.1 billion.
United States-Mexico trade
United States-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $20.9 billion in December, up 5.0 percent compared to December 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 6.2 percent higher in December 2006 than December 2005 while the value of exports carried by truck was 2.3 percent lower. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in December with $6.0 billion.