In a statistical report released earlier in the week, the Bureau of Transportation revealed that the monetary value of North American trade in 2021 rose both above its pre-pandemic and post-pandemic numbers.
As shown in the statistical report, the total trade value of North American transborder freight in 2021 was $1.3 trillion. This is a 24.6% increase from 2020 and a less dramatic 8% increase from 2019, the year before the COVID-19 Pandemic throttled the industry. Both truck and railway freight transport saw similar percentage increases in Canada and Mexico.
The numbers are significant because they paint the picture of a rebounding industry that, like many others, was heavily disrupted by the global pandemic. The high percentage increase from 2020 shows that the industry is beginning to stabilize and improve.
The Port of Laredo, Texas and Detroit, Michigan were the locations with the most international freight activity in the United States. $242.9 billion went from Mexico to Laredo, while $131.3 billion went from Canada to Detroit.
The top export to Canada were computer-related parts and machinery, while the top imports were mineral fuels, oils, and waxes. Meanwhile, Mexico's chief export was electrical machinery equipment, and its top import was vehicles.
