• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 96,000 Kentucky jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canada is Kentucky’s largest foreign export market
• Canadians made more than 310,400 visits to Kentucky, spending $53 million
• Kentucky residents made 67,200 visits to Canada, spending $42 million

A Close Relationship

In 2007, Canada maintained its rank as Kentucky’s most important trading partner, purchasing just under $6 billion in merchandise, or 33% of the state’s foreign-bound goods. In fact, Kentucky exported more to Canada than its next five export markets — France, Mexico, Japan, United Kingdom, and Brazil — combined. Kentucky and Canada exchanged $30 million in merchandise on an average day.

An automotive manufacturing leader

Transportation products emerged as the state’s most important export and import sector in 2007. The state sold $3.3 billion worth to Canada. Trucks led the exchange with sales valued at $1.2 billion and automobiles placed third at $898 million. The partners shared a profitable relationship in the manufacture of motor vehicles as trade in motor vehicle parts (excluding engines) surpassed $2 billion and supported “just in time” inventories on both sides of the border.

Chemical fusion

The partners traded $1.2 billion in chemicals in 2007. Kentucky manufacturers supplied its northern partner with $530 million worth, primarily in unshaped plastics ($164 million). The state also relied on Canadian chemicals, with purchases totaling $654 million. The Canadian chemical industry shipped synthetic rubber and plastics, organic chemicals, basic plastic shapes and forms and fertilizers to the state.

The Bluegrass State

In 2007, the home of the Kentucky Derby attracted 310,400 visits from Canadians who spent $53 million in the state. In return, residents of Kentucky made 67,200 visits to Canada and spent $42 million while embracing the breathtaking scenery of its northern neighbor.

Canada–Kentucky Success Stories

British Columbia-based Creation Technologies, a global top 50 electronic manufacturing service (EMS) provider, acquired SMC, Inc. of Lexington, KY in 2007. Creation Technologies is focused on manufacturing complex electronics for businesses in the industrial controls, instrumentation, medical, wireless and other communications, safety and security, aerospace and transportation markets. This acquisition firmly positions Creation among the top 15 EMS providers in North America. The Lexington facility employs 325 and services OEMs in the central and eastern United States.

The Kentucky Canadian Studies Consortium enables students at five Kentucky universities to take Canadian Studies courses online to fulfill minor and certificate program requirements at their home campuses. The Canadian Studies Online Program was created in 2001 to promote “understanding our North American neighbor: who they are, what we share in common, and what makes us different in our increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.” Over 400 students a year take the introductory course, Perspectives on Canada and social policy. These courses focus exclusively on Canada or study Canada in comparative and international perspective with an emphasis on Canada’s relationship to the US. The consortium includes Eastern Kentucky University, Georgetown College, the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, and Western Kentucky University. Information on the consortium and its online program is available at www.morehead-st.edu/kcsa.

In 2007, Cannon Automotive Solutions announced its newest manufacturing operation in Bowling Green’s Kentucky Transpark. The $13.1 million investment is expected to create up to 100 new full-time Kentucky jobs during the first five years of operation. Plans for the new facility include the manufacture of individual component stampings for frames to be installed in the 2009 next generation Ford F-150 pickup truck. Cannon Automotive Solutions is an affiliate of the Electromac Group, established in 1955 in Windsor, Canada. Electromac is a single source supplier for turnkey tooling and production of metal stampings to the automotive industry.

June 2008

Tourism

• 310,400 Kentucky visits by Canadians, $53 million spent
• 67,200 Kentucky visits to Canada, $42 million spent

Jobs

• Kentucky jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 96,000

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $6 billion
• Imports from Canada: $5 billion
• Bilateral trade: $11 billion
• Largest export market: Canada

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.