WASHINGTON, D.C. — Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US and Mexico, was 2.6% higher in August 2012 than in August 2011, totaling $82.5 billion, unadjusted for inflation, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. Adjusted for inflation and exchange rates, the August total was $60.5 billion in 2004 dollars, up 5.2% from August 2011. 

BTS reported that the August value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 52.0% from August 2009, shortly after the end of the last recession.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in August increased by 76.5% compared to August 2002. Imports in August were up 63.2% since August 2002, while exports were up 94.2%.

In August, 87.2% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved via land, 8.9% moved by vessel, and 3.9% moved by air.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico increased 9.0% in August from July.

US-Canada trade was $47.0 billion in August, a 1.0% decrease from August 2011, due to a decrease in imports from Canada. For the 12-month period ending in August, US trade by surface transportation with Canada decreased.

In August, Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada, at $6.8 billion, a 5.8% increase from August 2011. Of the top 10 states by value in trade with Canada, California had the largest percentage increase over August 2011, at 21.0%, primarily due to a 71.4% increase in trade in vehicles.

The top commodity category transported between the US and Canada by surface modes of transportation in August was vehicles, valued at $9.6 billion.