• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 24,250 Montana jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canada is Montana’s largest foreign export market
• Canadians made more than 578,200 visits to Montana, spending $174 million
• Montana residents made 95,200 visits to Canada, spending $34 million

A Close Relationship

In 2007, Montana and Canada continued their profitable trading relationship with a steady increase in the volume of exports and imports. Bilateral trade flows climbed to $5 billion as the partners exchanged $13.7 million in merchandise goods on a typical day. The state supplied its northern NAFTA parter with $547 million in merchandise — a 31% increase from 2006, and imported $4.5 billion, an 18% increase. Furthermore, Canada was Montana’s most lucrative export market, receiving 52% of the state’s foreign-bound goods.

Abundant forests

Montana supplied Canada with $80 million in forest products — $54 million in paper and paperboard products alone. Canadian forest products totaling $157 million in sales, were also in demand by the state. Montana bought $90 million in softwood lumber, its third largest import commodity. The state also looked to Canada for newsprint, wood pulp, veneer, paperboard, shakes and shingles.

An energy partnership

Continuing the trend, energy flows dominated the exchange as cross border sales climbed to $3.8 billion. State imports of crude petroleum — totaling $3.5 billion — originated from the western provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Crude petroleum shipments, which increased in volume by 25% from the previous year, represented the state’s largest import commodity. Similarly, the state found an active market north of the border for its energy resources with sales totaling $75 million — $31 million in crude petroleum and $5 million in coal.

Profitable metals

In 2007, the state supplied its northern neighbor with $192 million in metals and fabricated metal products As the state’s leading export sector, metal shipments amounted to 35% of Montana’s total exports. The state sent a wide range of metal products northbound, from ores and scrap iron and steel to metal products. Moreover, metal sales increased by 84% from the previous year and generated a trade surplus of $167 million for the state.

Montana-Canada chemistry

Two-way trade in chemicals and chemical products amounted to $189 million in 2007. The Treasure State supplied its northern neighbor with $34 million worth. Leading sales included inorganic and organic chemicals, fertilizers and unshaped plastics. Canadian chemical manufacturers returned the favor with southbound shipments valued at $155 million. Fertilizer sales totaling $92 million represented the state’s second largest import commodity. Montana also looked to Canada for organic chemicals ($37 million), basic plastic shapes and forms ($10 million) and more.

Big sky country

In 2007, Canadians wanting to visit the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which straddles the Montana–Alberta border and more, made 578,200 visits to Montana, spending $174 million. In return, residents of Montana made 95,200 visits to Canada, spending $34 million.

Canada–Montana Success Stories

Montreal-based Silonex is licensing their patented optoelectronic solutions to Montana-based Levitronics. Introduction between the two companies took place as a result of the Denver office’s correspondence that brought both parties together to the negotiating table in November 2007.

June 2008

Tourism

• 578,200 Montana visits by Canadians, $174 million spent
• 95,200 Montana visits to Canada, $34 million spent

Jobs

• Montana jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 24,250

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $547 million
• Imports from Canada: $4.5 billion
• Bilateral trade: $5 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.