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British Columbia and the USA

The United States (U.S.) is the world’s largest economy and the third largest country by population. It shares the world’s longest international border with Canada. The U.S. is B.C.’s largest trading partner for both goods and services. B.C. is a member of cross-border multi-lateral organizations of which U.S. states are also members, including the Pacific Northwest Economic Region and the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Millions of jobs on both sides of the border depend on the Canada-U.S. trade relationship.

Trade & Investment Highlights

Canada and the United States continue to anchor the most competitive and resilient economic region in the world.
In 2024, the U.S. was B.C.’s primary export destination, receiving 52.8% of B.C. commodity exports.
The U.S. sells more goods to Canada than to any other country. Canada buys more U.S. goods than China, Japan, and Germany combined. Canada is also the largest export market for 36 states and is among the top three for 46 states; 43 states export over US$1 billion to Canada every year.

United States at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Aerospace

The U.S. is a global leader in aerospace, defense, and space industries, supported by extensive distribution networks, diverse product offerings, and strong policy backing at both local and national levels. Key drivers include a highly skilled workforce advancing sustainable aviation technologies, innovative defense systems, and cutting-edge space exploration. Major players like Boeing and Raytheon anchor the industry, which is poised for growth due to rising domestic and global air travel demand. B.C. companies, particularly those tied to Washington State’s aerospace cluster and the Asia-Pacific region, can capitalize on this momentum. Emerging opportunities include advanced air mobility vehicles (projected to reach $115 billion by 2035), sustainable aviation fuels (targeting net-zero emissions by 2050), and small uncrewed aerial systems enabled by relaxed regulations. With the U.S. aerospace industry focusing more on local sourcing and transparent supply chains, B.C. firms can leverage Canada-U.S. ties to position themselves as reliable partners and suppliers.

Agrifood & Agritech

The U.S., one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, leverages vast natural resources and advanced technologies to sustain its dominance. Key crops include corn, soybeans, barley, and oats, supported by innovations such as genetic engineering, precision agriculture, and efficient farm practices. Opportunities for B.C. companies lie in agritech advancements, including big data, food science, animal health, aquaculture, and sustainable processing techniques. Rising demand for consumer-oriented imports—processed fruits, vegetables, seafood, plant-based proteins, and organic products—presents additional prospects, particularly for eco-friendly and sustainable goods. B.C.’s expertise in these areas positions its companies to supply innovative solutions and meet the U.S. demand for high-quality, environmentally conscious products.

Clean Energy

The U.S. leads global oil and gas production but is transitioning to clean energy, with renewables accounting for over 21% of electricity generation in 2022. Solar, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy are key areas of growth, supported by innovation hubs and policies like the Inflation Reduction Act. B.C. companies can find opportunities in renewable energy and energy storage in states like Washington, California, and Texas. Innovative technologies that lower costs or improve efficiency in renewable energy systems are particularly in demand. With its geographic proximity and expertise, B.C. is well-positioned to collaborate with U.S. clean energy initiatives.

Cleantech

The U.S. is a global cleantech leader, with innovation hubs in Massachusetts, California, Texas, and Washington hosting over half of the world’s top 100 cleantech firms. Opportunities abound in renewable energy, electrification, watertech, air pollution control, and waste management. California offers particular promise for B.C. companies in sectors like clean transportation and water management. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which commits significant funding to clean energy, enhances collaboration prospects between U.S. and B.C. firms. Emerging markets in Arizona and Nevada provide further potential for B.C.’s innovative cleantech solutions, especially in water infrastructure and the built environment, where B.C. companies hold a competitive edge.

Entertainment and Digital Media

The U.S. Media and Entertainment industry, valued at $717 billion, leads the global market, spanning film, TV, streaming, music, publishing, eSports, and gaming. Major hubs like California, New York, and Georgia host industry giants such as Disney, Warner Media, and NBCUniversal. B.C. firms can explore opportunities in virtual production, VFX, VR/AR, and gaming. The Canadian Creative Accelerator (CCA) program further supports collaboration in film, music, and the performing arts, with a focus on diversity. Additionally, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA) simplifies digital trade and strengthens intellectual property protections, enhancing B.C.’s ability to attract investment and tap into the lucrative U.S. market.

Forestry

Despite global challenges in the forestry industry, including declining lumber prices and U.S. duties on Canadian products, the mass timber sector continues to grow as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. The U.S. forest products industry contributes nearly $300 billion annually, with B.C. as a key supplier of lumber, mass timber, and value-added wood products. Opportunities for B.C. companies lie in sustainability-focused subsectors like biomass and forestry consulting. The rising adoption of mass timber for construction presents further potential, bolstered by B.C.’s ESG credentials and expertise in sustainable forestry practices.

ICT

The U.S. accounts for a third of the $5 trillion global IT market and is a hub of innovation in areas like AI, quantum computing, and nanotechnology. Major legislation, including the CHIPS Act and Inflation Reduction Act, is driving investments in advanced technologies and semiconductor production. B.C. firms can seize opportunities in cloud computing, IoT, eCommerce, and cybersecurity, benefiting from proximity to the Pacific Northwest’s tech ecosystem. With strong R&D capabilities, B.C. can also offer solutions to fill gaps left by U.S.-China trade tensions.

Life Sciences

The U.S. boasts the largest pharmaceutical market globally and is a leader in healthcare innovation, despite its lack of universal coverage. Life sciences hubs in San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle are driving growth, with R&D space expected to expand by 20% in the coming years. Personalized medicine, eHealth, portable diagnostics, and 3D printing are high-growth areas. B.C. companies, leveraging geographic proximity and expertise, can collaborate with U.S. firms to meet rising demand and attract foreign direct investment into B.C.’s biotech sector.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)

The U.S. remains B.C.’s primary LNG market, with Pacific Coast states seeking cleaner fuels to align with emission reduction goals under the Inflation Reduction Act. B.C.’s proximity and capacity to supply LNG to these states provide significant opportunities for partnerships that promote low-carbon energy solutions.

Critical Minerals

The U.S. mining sector underpins manufacturing but relies heavily on imports for critical minerals due to domestic regulatory hurdles. B.C., with rich reserves of critical minerals, is well-positioned to supply the U.S. as it seeks to reduce reliance on China. Key opportunities exist in exporting minerals essential for advanced manufacturing and tech, allowing B.C. to establish itself as a vital partner in strengthening U.S. supply chains.

U.S. Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Metals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Vehicles & Parts

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

About BC Infographic - Key Market - miscellaneous chemical products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pharmaceuticals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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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.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

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:

Will Fox
Managing Director

Chris King
Senior Director, East Coast

Trade & Investment Representative - Caryn King

Caryn King
Program Assistant

Los Angeles

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Will Fox
Managing Director

Alana Wagner Peralez
Senior Director, Pacific Southwest

Cheryl Rogers
Director, Life Sciences

San Francisco

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Will Fox
Managing Director

Mareese Keane
Director, San Francisco/Silicon Valley

Marilyn Wright
Agrifood Trade Specialist

Seattle

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.

Will Fox
Managing Director

Nicolas Santo
Director, Pacific Northwest

Nicole Lauzon
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.

Connect

British Columbia and the USA

Trade & Investment Highlights

United States at a Glance

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

U.S. Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Import Industries (by value)

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

BC Export Industries to Market

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

Latest News And Stories

4AG Robotics: A Sustainable Solution for Farms Worldwide

B.C. Craft Beer is Pitcher Perfect

PXR Labs and Next-System Building a 3D World

How We Help

Trade & Investment Offices in United States

Boston

Los Angeles

San Francisco

Seattle

Connect With Our International Network

Import Industries
(by value)