Trade Grounded in North America

Are you noticing more trucks on the streets?  Although it may seem like no one is buying anything right now, there is still a lot of trade going on between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.  Where it’s happening is on the surface.

As a recruiter, you may already stay abreast of international trade, but it may be worth paying attention to what’s happening on the ground-level on this continent.  Particularly as trade agreements similar to NAFTA are currently being discussed, it may be illuminating to monitor how trade is working out in North America.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has announced that trade using surface transportation between the United States, Canada, and Mexico was 13.8 percent higher in December 2010 than in December 2009, reaching $66.5 billion. 

While much of this transportation occurs by trucks, surface transportation also consists largely of freight movements by rail and pipeline.  In December, 84.8 percent of U.S. trade by value with Canada and Mexico moved on land.

The value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico in December was up 12.6 percent compared to December 2005, and up 48.6 percent compared to December 2000, a period of 10 years.  Imports in December were up 41.9 percent compared to December 2000, while exports were up 57.7 percent.

U.S.–Canada surface transportation trade totaled $39.8 billion in December, up 12.2 percent compared to December 2009.  The value of imports carried by truck was 17.7 percent higher in December 2010 compared to December 2009, while the value of exports carried by truck was 10.4 percent higher during this period.

Michigan led all states in surface trade with Canada in December with $4.7 billion.

U.S.–Mexico surface transportation trade totaled $26.8 billion in December, up 16.3 percent compared to December 2009.  The value of imports carried by truck was 16.3 percent higher in December 2010 than December 2009 while the value of exports carried by truck was 18.7 percent higher.

Texas led all states in surface trade with Mexico in December with $9.5 billion.

How does this increase in surface travel impact the U.S. economy and environment?  Where does this shift in the economy create more jobs?  Where does this lead to the disappearance of work?