British Columbia and the USA
The United States, the world’s largest economy, is projected to achieve a 1.3% GDP growth in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026, driven primarily by private consumption. As British Columbia’s largest trading partner, the U.S. market offers significant opportunities, particularly in critical minerals, clean energy, and information and communication technology (ICT). The U.S. imported $4.6 trillion in goods in 2024, with Canada being its third-largest import country at $578 billion. B.C. exports to the U.S. reached $28.9 billion in 2024, with total services exports at $16 billion in 2023. Key policy developments like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Maritime Action Plan are shaping investment landscapes in clean energy and industrial marine sectors.
Trade & Investment Highlights
- The U.S. economy, the world’s largest, is driven by private consumption, accounting for nearly 70% of its GDP, and is less susceptible to commodity price volatility due to its energy independence.
- Rising diplomatic and trade tensions with key partners could lead to supply chain disruptions, increased inflation, and a shift away from U.S. dollar assets, impacting the U.S. economic influence.
- B.C. is an active member in the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER). Founded in 1991, PNWER is a public-private nonprofit that works to foster regional collaboration and economic development on behalf of its 10 member states, provinces and territories. Member jurisdictions include Alberta, Alaska, B.C., Idaho, Montana, Northwest Territories, Oregon, Saskatchewan, Washington and Yukon.
- The U.S. continues to lead in innovation and technology, providing fertile ground for investment in high-tech industries and startups. Robust intellectual property protections in the U.S. encourage innovation and attract foreign companies seeking to safeguard their IP rights.
United States at a Glance
Monetary figures are in USD
Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters
Trade & Investment Resources
For B.C. Businesses
For International Businesses
How We Help
- Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
- Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
- Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
- Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
- Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
- Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.
- Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
- Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
- Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
- Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
- Introductions to local venture capital networks.
- Market entry assistance in international markets.
- Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
- Validate the potential of products in new international markets.
- Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
- Strategic introductions to prospective buyers and partners in foreign markets.
- Participate in relevant international trade missions and events, and inbound buyer visits.
- Provide insight and advice on how to leverage trade agreements and overcome trade barriers.
- Enable access to trade representatives in foreign markets for on-the-ground assistance.
- Advice and coaching on how to prepare for successful export development and market entrance.
Trade & Investment Offices in United States
- United States
Boston
British Columbia and the United States enjoy long-standing relationships and extensive business connections. The British Columbia Trade and Investment offices are located in San Francisco and Silicon Valley area, Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas, and the Boston and New York area.
Our team has developed extensive networks in the United Sates, and helps businesses capitalize on shared opportunities, especially in the growing sectors of Aerospace, Digital Entertainment & Interactive Media, Clean Tech, Clean Energy, Information and Communications Technology, Life Sciences, Mining, Natural Gas, Ocean and Marine, Wood and Forestry.
Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:
Managing Director
Senior Director, East Coast
Program Assistant
Los Angeles
British Columbia and the United States enjoy long-standing relationships and extensive business connections. The British Columbia Trade and Investment offices are located in San Francisco and Silicon Valley area, Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas, and the Boston and New York area.
Our team has developed extensive networks in the United Sates, and helps businesses capitalize on shared opportunities, especially in the growing sectors of Aerospace, Digital Entertainment & Interactive Media, Clean Tech, Clean Energy, Information and Communications Technology, Life Sciences, Mining, Natural Gas, Ocean and Marine, Wood and Forestry.
Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:
Managing Director
Senior Director, Pacific Southwest
Director, Life Sciences
San Francisco
British Columbia and the United States enjoy long-standing relationships and extensive business connections. The British Columbia Trade and Investment offices are located in San Francisco and Silicon Valley area, Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas, and the Boston and New York area.
Our team has developed extensive networks in the United Sates, and helps businesses capitalize on shared opportunities, especially in the growing sectors of Aerospace, Digital Entertainment & Interactive Media, Clean Tech, Clean Energy, Information and Communications Technology, Life Sciences, Mining, Natural Gas, Ocean and Marine, Wood and Forestry.
Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:
Managing Director
Director, San Francisco/Silicon Valley
Agrifood Trade Specialist
Seattle
British Columbia and the United States enjoy long-standing relationships and extensive business connections. The British Columbia Trade and Investment offices are located in San Francisco and Silicon Valley area, Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas, and the Boston and New York area.
Our team has developed extensive networks in the United States, and helps businesses capitalize on shared opportunities, especially in the growing sectors of Aerospace, Digital Entertainment & Interactive Media, Clean Tech, Clean Energy, Information and Communications Technology, Life Sciences, Mining, Natural Gas, Ocean and Marine, Wood and Forestry.
Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries.
Managing Director
Director, Pacific Northwest
Director, Natural Resources
Connect With Our International Network
Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.