WASHINGTON, D.C. — Surface trade between US, Canada and Mexico reached a monthly record high in April, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).

The BTS, a part of the US Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration, reported Monday that trade using surface transportation between the US and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico was 14.3% higher in April 2008 than in April 2007, reaching $74.3 billion, the highest monthly level ever recorded.

The BTS reported that the value of North American surface trade in April topped the previous monthly high of $74.2 billion in October by 0.1%.

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

Surface transportation consists largely of freight movements by truck, rail and pipeline. About 88% of US trade by value with Canada and Mexico moves on land.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in April was up 58.7% compared to April 2003, and up 91.8% compared to April 1998. Imports in April were up 106.0% compared to April 1998, while exports were up 75.8%.

USCanada surface transportation trade totalled $48.9 billion in April, up 15.4% compared to April 2007. The value of imports carried by truck was about 1% higher in April 2008 than April 2007, while the value of exports carried by truck was 13.1% higher. Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in April with $6.4 billion.