NAFTA surface traderises in August

Nov. 7, 2008
Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 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 (BTS) of the Department of Transportation

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 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 (BTS) of the Department of Transportation.

The value of US 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 US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.

The value of US 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.

United States-Canada trade

United States–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.

United States-Mexico trade

United States–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.