WASHINGTON, D.C. — Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US, and Mexico, was 6.2% higher in March than in March 2011, totalling $85.8 billion, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. March was the highest month for NATFA trade value since collection of data began in 1994, exceeding $85 billion for the first time and topping the previous record of $80.8 billion in March 2011.

BTS reported that the March value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 21.2% from March 2008, 68.1% from March 2009, and 88.2% from March 2002. Imports in March were up 76.1% since March 2002, while exports were up 104.5%.

In March, 86.2% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved via land, 9.8% moved by vessel, and 4.0% moved by air.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico increased 9.8% in March from February.

US-Canada surface transportation trade in March reached $50.1 billion, a 2.9% increase. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada at $6.3 billion, a 3.0% increase from March 2011. Of the top 10 states by value, Illinois had the largest percentage increase over March 2011, at 16.5%.

The top commodity category transported between the US and Canada by surface modes of transportation in March was vehicles (other than railway), valued at $9.6 billion.