• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 32,250 Maine jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canada is Maine’s largest foreign export market
• Canadians made more than 888,000 visits to Maine, spending $243 million
• Maine residents made 221,100 visits to Canada, spending $87 million

A Close Relationship

In 2007, Maine and Canada continued their long-standing trade relationship with $3.3 billion in exchanges. Canada remained Maine’s most valuable international destination, purchasing 33% of the state’s worldwide exports. On a typical day, the neighbors exchanged $9 million in merchandise goods.

An abundance of natural resources

Maine’s leading export to Canada in 2007 was forest products including crude wood materials, paper and paperboard. In fact, the aptly named Pine Tree State was the second-largest state exporter of forest products to Canada, selling $381 million worth to its northern partner. In return, Maine purchased $677 million in Canadian forest products, led by wood pulp, softwood lumber and newsprint.

Nothing quite like a fresh Maine lobster

Agricultural products accounted for the state’s second largest export in 2007, representing 23% of its northbound sales. Lobster and seafood harvesting, a time-honored Maine tradition, reached $136 million in sales. In return, Mainers purchased $278 million worth of agricultural goods from Canada, including vegetables, fruit and cereals.

An electric economy

In 2007, Canada supplied over $641 million worth of petroleum and coal products, electricity and coal to Maine. A joint effort between Bangor Hydro Electric Company and New Brunswick Power last year is yet another example of cross-border energy collaboration. This project, completed on December 5, 2007, produced 85 miles of new power lines connecting New England and Atlantic Canada to supply about a third of Maine’s power requirements at peak usage time.

A coastal escape

Maine, also known as “Vacationland”, boasts a coastline longer than California’s in linear miles, pristine wilderness, delicious blueberries and succulent lobster. Maine is truly the ideal summer escape and in 2007, Canadians made 888,000 visits to the state spending $243 million. Likewise, Down Easterners made 221,100 visits to Canada spending over $87 million.

Canada–Maine Success Stories

Stantec Inc., a Canadian company headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, acquired several environmental consulting firms in Maine. Stantec, with 8,500 employees at 125 locations in North America now supports over 200 employees in the greater Portland area. Through the acquisition of Woodlot Alternatives Inc. of Topsham, ME and Neill & Gunter of Portland, ME, Stantec will seek new opportunities based on these companies’ extensive research in the areas of fuel cell technology, wind energy, mercury capture from flue gas, and clean coal power.

TD Commerce Bank, once known as TD Banknorth, adopted its new name and the slogan of “America’s Most Convenient Bank” after merging with Commerce Bank in March 2008. Headquartered in Portland, TD Commerce Bank is one of the 25 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States, serving over 1.5 million households in the Northeast. TD Commerce Bank employs over 1,900 people in Maine alone, and supports local communities through charitable donations and local sponsorship commitments, investing a record $12.3 million in 2007. TD Commerce Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank Financial Group, headquartered in Toronto, ON.

Fontaine Inc. of Québec, Maine’s Foreign Direct Investor of the Year for 2008, is a family-owned and operated business. For more than 40 years, Fontaine has been recognized as a reliable source of quality lumber for clients all across the eastern United States and Canada. Fontaine invests heavily in the development of its human resources and acquisition of new technologies, including a recent multi-million dollar equipment upgrade at its lumber mill in Stratton, ME. With its two subsidiaries, Stratton Lumber and Timber Resource Group — a leading timber procurement company in Farmington, ME — Fontaine supports over 100 employees in the Pine Tree State.

June 2008

Tourism

• 888,000 Maine visits by Canadians, $243 million spent
• 221,100 Maine visits to Canada, $87 million spent

Jobs

• Maine jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 32,250

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $866 million
• Imports from Canada: $2.4 billion
• Bilateral trade: $3.3 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.