NAFTA surface trade rises in November

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 3.0 percent higher in November 2006 than in November 2005, reaching $64.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the US Department of Transportation.

However, total North American surface transportation trade fell 3.1 percent in November from October. 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 November was up 45.9 percent compared to November 2001, and up 80.4 percent compared to November 1996, a period of 10 years. Imports in November were up 91.2 percent compared to November 1996, while exports were up 68.0 percent.

United States–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $40.5 billion in November, down 1.2 percent compared to November 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 3.2 percent lower in November 2006 than November 2005, while the value of exports carried by truck was 3.5 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in November with $5.9 billion.

United States–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $24.3 billion in November, up 11.1 percent compared to November. The value of imports carried by truck was 11.2 percent higher in November 2006 than November 2005 while the value of exports carried by truck was 5.4 percent higher. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in November with $7.3 billion.