• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 211,750 Georgia jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canada is Georgia’s largest foreign export market
• Canadians made more than 412,250 visits to Georgia, spending $107 million
• Georgia residents made 171,000 visits to Canada, spending $123 million

A Close Relationship

In 2007, two-way trade between Canada and Georgia continued to grow, reaching $9.9 billion. Nearly 20% of Georgia’s total exports went to Canada, which remained the state’s number one customer. In fact, Georgia sold more to Canada than to the state’s next three foreign markets — China, the United Kingdom, and Mexico — combined.

Transportation drives both economies

At nearly $1.3 billion in two-way trade, the transportation sector dominated the Georgia–Canada economic relationship in 2007. The Peach State exported some $670 million worth of automobiles, trucks, aircraft; and ships, engines, and parts. Canada sold Georgia $593 million, nearly half of which — $274 million — was aircraft-related (aircraft, engines, and parts).

Canada provides high-tech expertise

The two largest fiber optic pipelines in the U.S. meet in Georgia, providing an excellent location for internet service providers. In the last two years the state has bolstered its Information Technologies and Communications infrastructure by importing more than $1 billion in high-tech equipment from Canadian companies — $746 million in 2007 alone. Canada is a leader in the development of telecommunications equipment, software, microelectronics, and cutting-edge technologies like VoIP, wireless broadband, and photonics.

Georgia and Canada: getting personal

In 2007, Georgia exported $610 million in personal and household goods to Canada, and bought $578 million worth from its northern NAFTA partner. The Peach State sold Canada a variety of home furnishings; medical, ophthalmic and orthopaedic supplies; medicine in dosage; hand tools and cutlery; consumer electronics; and other personal and household goods. In return, Georgia imported toys and games; sporting and recreation equipment; medicine; printed matter; personal electronics; clothing; firearms and ammunition; and other similar goods. The total — $1.2 billion — made these commodities the second-highest sector in Canada–Georgia trade.

Grits and golf courses

Canadian tourists and business travelers made 412,200 visits to Georgia and spent $107 million in 2007, taking advantage of the state’s legendary food (barbecue, Brunswick stew, Vidalia onions, and grits) and spectacular attractions, including Augusta National Golf Club, the Atlantic coastal Sea Islands, the mountains of north Georgia, and dozens of world-renowned attractions in Atlanta. In return, some 171,000 residents of Georgia enjoyed Canada’s cosmopolitan cities, pristine recreational areas and breathtaking natural wonders, adding $123 million to the Canadian economy in the process.

Canada–Georgia Success Stories

Hemisphere Engineering of Edmonton, Alberta, was responsible for overseeing the design of the ventilation, plumbing and control systems for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “high containment” laboratories. This more than triples CDC’s current program space for such research. Hemisphere Engineering also oversaw the construction of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the entire facility.

Montreal-based Bombardier Aerospace is selling 30 Bombardier CRJ900 regional jets to Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines for a reported $1.1 billion. The company has the option for Delta to purchase an additional 30 jets within the next two years. If all options are exercised, the value of the contract could rise to $2.3 billion.

Georgia is one of six states to partner with seven Canadian provinces in forming the Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS–Canada), a public-private organization formed in 2007 to enhance economic development between the two regions. Governor Sonny Perdue remarked, “Canada and Georgia have a long track record of cooperation and I know SEUS–Canada will allow these relationships to flourish.”

June 2008

Tourism

• 412,200 Georgia visits by Canadians, $107 million spent
• 171,000 Georgia visits to Canada, $123 million spent

Jobs

• Georgia jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 211,750

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $3.8 billion
• Imports from Canada: $6.1 billion
• Bilateral trade: $9.9 billion
• Largest export market: Canada

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Merchandise trade and tourism figures are from Statistics Canada, converted at the rate of US$1.00=C$1.0749. Merchandise trade is based on total exports and imports for the year 2007. Job numbers are based on 2005 data from a 2006 study commissioned by the Canadian Embassy. Canada’s export ranking is from the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER). All figures are in U.S. dollars. Figures may not add up due to rounding.