Surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 28% lower in July 2009 than in July 2008, dropping to $51.5 billion in the seventh consecutive month with a year-to-year decline of greater than 27%, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
BTS reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico however rose 1.6% in July 2009 from June 2009. 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% of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.
The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in July was up 7.2% compared to July 2004, and up 38.1% compared to July 1999, a period of 10 years. Imports in July were up 30.1% compared to July 1999, while exports were up 48.6%.
U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $31.0 billion in July, down 33.8% compared to July 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 29.0% lower in July 2009 compared to July 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 24.3% lower during this period. Illinois led all states in surface trade with Canada in July with $3.1 billion.
U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $20.5 billion in July, down 17.1% compared to July 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 13.7% lower in July 2009 than July 2008 while the value of exports carried by truck was 14.7% lower. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in July with $7.3 billion.
