WASHINGTON, D.C. — Trade using surface transportation between Canada, the US and Mexico, was 8.3% higher in May than in May 2011, totalling $83.8 billion (not adjusted for inflation), according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the US Department of Transportation. Adjusted for inflation and exchange rates, the May total was $60.7 billion in 2004 dollars, up 11.7% from May 2011. 

BTS reported that the May value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 13.0% from May 2008, six months into the recession, and 75.0% from May 2009, late in the recession.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in May increased by 72.6% compared to May 2002. Imports in May were up 62.5% since May 2002, while exports were up 85.9%.

In May, 86.5% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved via land, 9.6% moved by vessel, and 3.8% moved by air.

The value of US surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico increased 5.0% in May from April.

US-Canada surface transportation trade in May increased compared to May 2011, reaching $48.1 billion, a 4.0% increase.

In May, Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada, at $6.5 billion, a 2.6% increase from May 2011. Of the top 10 states by value, California had the largest percentage increase over May 2011, at 29.7%.

The top commodity category transported between the US and Canada by surface modes of transportation in May was vehicles, valued at $9.5 billion.