November numbers show 15.5% rise in NAFTA surface trade

WASHINGTON — Recently released surface trade figures between the three members of the North American Free Trade Agreement showed a 15.5% rise in value in November 2010, compared to November 2009.

Surface transportation between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico reached $68.1 billion in November 2010, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

That month, 86.1 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land.

The value of goods moved by rail, truck, and pipeline between the three countries has consistently risen over the past decade – up 8.2 percent compared to November 2005, and up 36.7 percent compared to November 2000.

Imports to the U.S. in November were up 29.7 percent compared to November 2000, while exports from the U.S. were up 45.8 percent.

U.S.-Canada surface transportation trade totaled $39.5 billion in November, up 12.6 percent compared to November 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 11.5 percent higher in November 2010 compared to November 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 12.6 percent higher during this period.

U.S.-Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $28.6 billion in November, up 19.7 percent compared to November 2009. The value of imports carried by truck was 22.4 percent higher in November 2010 than November 2009 while the value of exports carried by truck was 21.9 percent higher.