Trade using surface transportation between the United States and Canada and Mexico was 3.5 percent higher in September 2006 than in September 2005, reaching $63.3 billion, according to data released this week by the United States’ Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail, and pipeline. About 90 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.

Total North American surface transportation trade fell 4.6 percent in September from August, BTS reported. Month-to-month changes can be affected by seasonal variations and other factors, BTS said in a news release.

Compared to September 2001, total North American surface transportation trade value in September 2006 was up 49.0 percent, and up 82.2 percent compared to September 1996. Imports in September were up 92.0 percent compared to September 1996, and exports were up 70.5 percent, reported BTS.

U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada
U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $40.4 billion in September, up 0.1 percent compared to September 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 0.8 percent higher in September 2006 than September 2005, while the value of exports carried by truck was 4.3 percent higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in September with $5.5 billion

U.S. surface transportation trade with Mexico
U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $22.9 billion in September, up 10.1 percent compared to September 2005. The value of imports carried by truck was 10.9 percent higher in September 2006 than September 2005 while the value of exports carried by truck was 6.2 percent higher. Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in September with $7.0 billion.

The reported data are tabulated for BTS monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division. September transborder numbers include data received by BTS as of Nov. 13. BTS will release October numbers in late December.