Trade using surface transportation (freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline) between the US and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 39.5 percent higher in May 2010 than in May 2009, reaching $66.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. The 39.5 percent increase was the largest percentage year-over-year increase in total US-NAFTA trade by surface modes on record back to April 1994. May was the third month in the last four with a record percentage year-over-year increase. In May, 86.2 percent of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land.
BTS, a part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in May 2010 remained 9.9 percent below the May 2008 level despite the 2009-2010 increase. North American surface freight value rose 1.5 percent in May 2010 from April 2010. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors.
US-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $40.2 billion in May, up 37.5 percent compared to May 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 32.0 percent higher in May 2010 compared to May 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 34.5 percent higher during this period.
Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in May with $5.5 billion.
US-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $26.6 billion in May, up 42.7 percent compared to May 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 36.1 percent higher in May 2010 than May 2009 while the value of exports carried by truck was 43.2 percent higher.
Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in May with $9.4 billion.