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May 29, 2008 2:35 PM

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners, Canada and Mexico, was 1.5 percent higher in March 2008 than in March 2007, reaching $70.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the Department of Transportation.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 2.0 percent in March from February. 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 90 percent of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in March was up 43.4 percent compared to March 2003, and up 73.5 percent compared to March 1998, a period of 10 years. Imports in March were up 85.9 percent compared to March 1998, while exports were up 59.6 percent.

United States-Canada

United States–Canada surface transportation trade excluding US pipeline exports to Canada totaled $47.2 billion in March. The value of imports carried by truck was 7.3 percent lower in March 2008 than March 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 2.2 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in March with $6.3 billion.

United States-Mexico

US–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $23.6 billion in March, down 4.6 percent compared to March 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was 8.8 percent lower in March 2008 than March 2007 while the value of exports carried by truck was 2.3 percent lower. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in March with $7.2 billion.