British Columbia and the USA
The United States 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 offers a business-friendly environment, underpinned by a stable democracy, an established regulatory policy structure, entrepreneurial dynamism, innovation, and high research and development spending.
Trade & Investment Highlights
- In 2022, the US was B.C.’s primary export destination, receiving 57% of B.C. commodity exports.
- Canada and the Unites States maintain a well-developed trade and investment relationship, with an underlying foundation supported by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). CUSMA came into force in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement.
- In March 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden issued a joint statement recommitting to the Roadmap for a Renewed Canada-U.S. Partnership and outlining plans for Canada and the U.S. to work together to accelerate the clean energy transition, strengthen North American critical minerals and semiconductor supply chains, protect shared waters and the Arctic, advance diversity, and inclusion, and bolster global alliances against threats to the international order.
United States at a Glance
Monetary figures are in USD
Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters
U.S. Top Industries (2018-2023)
Industries for Outward Investment
 Communications |
 Software & IT Services |
 Coal, Oil & Gas |
Source: FDI Markets
Import Industries
(by value)
 Machinery & Mechanical Appliances |
 Electrical Machinery & Equipment |
 Vehicles & Associated Parts (other than railway or tramway rolling stock) |
Source: International Trade Centre
Fastest Growing Import Opportunities
 Wood Products |
 Iron & Steel |
 Toys, Games & Sports Accessories |
Source: International Trade Centre
BC Export Industries to Market
 Mineral Fuels & Oils |
 Wood Products |
 Zinc |
Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada
Trade & Investment Resources
For B.C. Businesses
For International Businesses
Latest News And Stories
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:
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 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, 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.