The United States (U.S.) - Mexico and U.S.-Canada land borders represent links between the people of our countries in a strong and vibrant network of trade, cultural, social and institutional relationships. Canada and Mexico are the United States' largest export markets. Geographic proximity provides economic opportunities for industries and services to flourish.
Surface transportation trade between the United States and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico increased by 14.3 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, valued at $904 billion in 2011, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The 14.3 percent increase in trade was the third largest year-to-year increase for the years covered by these data. The $904 billion in U.S.-NAFTA trade was the highest amount since NAFTA went into effect in 1994.
An effective and efficient border transportation system is of national interest and importance. The system includes the Ports-of-Entry (POEs) themselves, the highways and roadways leading to the POEs, and effective transit and pedestrian facilities. Developing and maintaining the transportation system requires understanding of a complex set of policies, regulations and practices and involvement with a variety of agencies. Providing a safe, reliable and efficient transportation system is imperative to ensure this significant border activity continues to thrive.
Border Planning General Fact Sheet (or PDF, 720KB)
