• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 144,750 Missouri jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canada is Missouri’s largest foreign export market
• Canadians made more than 118,600 visits to Missouri, spending $49 million
• Missouri residents made 107,000 visits to Canada, spending $68 million

A Close Relationship

In 2007, Canada was Missouri’s most important trading partner, purchasing more goods than the state’s next five foreign markets combined. Bilateral trade in merchandise goods continued its upward ascent, reaching $8 billion, a modest increase of 4% from the previous year. Missouri exported $4.9 billion in tangible goods to its northern NAFTA partner and imported $3.1 billion worth. Two-way trade in merchandise amounted to nearly $22 million a day.

Driving Missouri trade

Trade in transportation goods continued to dominate the exchange in 2007 as bilateral sales amounted to $3.8 billion. Missouri sales comprised 55% of the state’s total exports to Canada and its purchases accounted for 35% of the state’s total imports. Moreover, Missouri enjoyed a trade surplus surpassing $2.6 billion from its transportation exchanges with Canada.

The partners shared a close and profitable relationship in the trade and manufacture of motor vehicles. Missouri supplied its northern neighbor with $1.2 billion in automobiles and $1.1 billion in trucks. During the same period, the state’s leading transportation imports were motor vehicle parts and engines, valued at $908 million. The partners exchanged a wide range of finished transportation products and commodities, pointing to the high degree of integration of manufacturers on both sides of the border.

Strong chemical bonds

The two partners traded $711 million in chemicals and chemical products in 2007. Canadian companies relied on Missouri’s chemical expertise, purchasing $483 million worth and increasing their orders by almost 25% from the previous year. In return, the state bought $228 million worth, including $74 million in synthetic rubber and plastics.

Forging metals

Metals, worth $321 million, represented the state’s second largest import sector. Missouri purchased a variety of Canadian metals, including $118 million in aluminum and alloys and $88 million in metal fabricated basic products.

A need for forest products

The state looked to Canada’s vast forests for a wide range of products. Missouri bought $293 million in forest products, its third largest import sector, which accounted for 10% of its total purchases from Canada. The state’s northern NAFTA partner shipped $121 million in softwood lumber, hardwood, shingles and shakes, and veneers to the state’s construction companies. Canada also supplied Missouri publishers and paper manufacturers with $48 million in newsprint and $46 million in wood pulp.

The Gateway State

In 2007, Canadians made 118,600 visits to Missouri and spent $49 million experiencing the state’s attractions including the Gateway Arch and Ozark Trail. Similarly, residents of Missouri made 107,000 visits to The World Next Door, contributing $68 million to the Canadian tourism account.

Canada–Missouri Success Stories

Woodbridge Corporation of Mississauga, ON, employs 150 workers at their plastic foam products plant in Kansas City, MO.

Xentel Inc., a subsidiary of Xentel DM Inc. of Calgary, Alberta, operates three customer contact centres in Missouri in St. Joseph and in St. Louis, employing about 115 workers.

June 2008

Tourism

• 118,600 Missouri visits by Canadians, $49 million spent
• 107,000 Missouri visits to Canada, $68 million spent

Jobs

• Missouri jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 144,750

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $4.9 billion
• Imports from Canada: $3.1 billion
• Bilateral trade: $8 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.