NAFTA numbers plummet

Trade using surface transportation between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 24.9 percent lower in Aug. 2009 than in Aug. 2008, dropping to $54.3 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

BTS reported that the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 5.3 percent in August 2009 from July 2009.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in August was up 1.3 percent compared to Aug. 2004, and up 26 percent compared to August 1999. Imports in August were up 18.8 percent compared to Aug. 1999, while exports were up 35.5 percent.

U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $32.9 billion in August, down 29.6 percent compared to Aug. 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 26.1 percent lower in Aug. 2009 compared to Aug. 2008, while the value of exports carried by truck was 17 percent lower during this period.

U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $21.3 billion in August, down 16.2 percent compared to Aug. 2008. The value of imports carried by truck was 13.5 percent lower in Aug. 2009 than Aug. 2008 while the value of exports carried by truck was 14.7 percent lower.

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