Tariff Shifts Reshape North American Trade Flows, Customs Data Shows

Key Details Customs and trade data from February reveal mixed signals across North America's supply chains. Mexico's customs revenue dropped 13% year-over-year, while Canadian imports hit record levels and the U.S. trade deficit widened. The data suggests tariffs and currency movements are redirecting trade rather than reducing it overall. Mexico's Challenge Mexico's customs revenue fell to $11.49 billion in January-February, with VAT collections down 22.6% and import duties down 7%. Border crossings saw particularly steep declines, with customs revenue dropping 18.2% and declared goods value falling 8.1%. A 15.7% year-over-year peso strengthening reduced the peso value of imports, shrinking the tax base for duties and VAT. Canada's Surge Canada's February imports surged 8.4% to $72.1 billion, with U.S. imports jumping 13.6%. Exports rose 6.4%, yet Canada's trade deficit widened to $5.7 billion - the largest since August. What This Means for Drivers These shifts indicate companies are reclassifying goods, changing sourcing strategies, and routing freight differently to manage tariff exposure. Rather than reducing cross-border activity, shippers are adapting logistics networks. Watch for continued volatility in traditional freight lanes as supply chains recalibrate.