• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 33,500 Idaho jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canadians made more than 272,700 visits to Idaho, spending $63 million
• Idaho residents made 80,500 visits to Canada, spending $32 million

A Close Relationship

Friends, neighbors and partners, Canada and Idaho continue to build a prosperous trade relationship built on a commitment to collaboration on the secure and efficient movement of people, goods and services across our shared borders. The ability of our North American economy to compete globally depends on our joint commitment to a border that is secure and which also facilitates the timely processing of goods and services moving between our two countries.

Canada was one of the Gem State’s top three international markets in 2007, purchasing 13% of the Idaho’s world-wide goods. The partners enjoyed another profitable year as bilateral trade totaled $1.3 billion. The state exported $603 million in merchandise to its northern NAFTA partner and imported $698 million worth. Cross border exchanges of goods remained steady, approaching $4 million on a average day.

A touch of Idaho

Metals, valued at $106 million, accounted for the state’s largest export sector in 2007. Personal and household goods valued at $68 million was a significant export providing Canadian consumers with $20 million in packaged medicines. Home furnishings and sporting and recreation equipment added another $8 million to the state’s economy. Idahoans also looked to their northern neighbor for personal and household goods, purchasing $13 million worth. They bought $4 million in printed matter and $2 million in toys, games, sporting and recreation equipment.

From our farms to our tables

Idaho continues to be an important food supplier for the Canadian market, providing more than $88 million in food products. The state shipped a variety of foods north of the border including dairy produce, eggs and honey; live animals; and fish and seafood. The state also looked to Canada for agricultural products, purchasing $132 million worth. Live animals; and oils, fats, waxes, extracts and derivatives totaling $21 million each; led the agricultural sales.

A strong chemical bond

Two-way trade in chemicals and chemical products continued to contribute to the profitable relationship, reaching $170 million in 2007. Idaho shipped $39 million in fertilizers and $13 million in inorganic chemicals to its northern neighbor. Canadian manufacturers reciprocated with $100 million in chemical goods, consisting mainly of fertilizers and basic plastic shapes and forms.

Canada–Idaho Success Stories

Building the relationship

Idaho National Labs and the Alberta Research Council signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a possible application to extract oil from the oil sands using nuclear power. The collaboration will allow both research institutions to learn from each other’s expertise. The connection was facilitated by the Consulate General in Seattle.

Idaho and Canada share a relationship that is more than just business. Our shared history, geography and culture bring us together as one community committed to security and prosperity for all our citizens. Canada’s commitment to defense makes us a key military partner both here in North America, as we celebrate 50 years of NORAD, and abroad where we lead the NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Canada Days in Idaho celebrate that relationship each year at the political, business, cultural and community levels as well as continue to increase partnerships in our academic institutions.

June 2008

Tourism

• 272,700 Idaho visits by Canadians, $63 million spent
• 80,500 Idaho visits to Canada, $32 million spent

Jobs

• Idaho jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 33,500

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $603 million
• Imports from Canada: $698 million
• Bilateral trade: $1.3 billion

PDF Format

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.