• Canada–U.S. trade supported 7.1 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $535 billion
• 95,250 South Carolina jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
• Canadians made more than 488,700 visits to South Carolina, spending $261 million
• South Carolina residents made 85,600 visits to Canada, spending $63 million

A Close Relationship

Canada was South Carolina’s second-largest international destination in 2007, surpassed only by Germany. The state exported more merchandise goods to Canada than to its next four largest partners — Mexico, Great Britain, China and Australia combined. Bilateral trade flows climbed to $5.1 billion, an increase of 6% from the previous year. Both partners profited from the exchange. South Carolina supplied Canada with $3 billion in merchandise and imported $2.1 billion worth. The Palmetto State enjoyed another trade surplus with Canada, this year, nearing $1 billion. Moreover, two-way trade approached $14 million on a typical day

Trade in motion

Canada and South Carolina generated $1.4 billion in transportation sales in 2007. In fact trade in transportation goods dominated the exchange for another year. The state’s economy benefitted from $1 billion in transportation sales to its northern neighbor. South Carolina sold $330 million in finished automobiles, its leading export commodity to Canada. The partners also supplied each other’s motor vehicle assembly plants with autoparts — exchanging $355 million in motor vehicle parts, except engines. The integrated marketplace in motor vehicle parts and components contributed to “just in time” inventories, benefitted consumers and added jobs on both sides of the border.

A chemical fusion

Canada–South Carolina Success Stories

Myrtle Beach, SC hosted the 2008 Canadian-American Trade Summit in March 2008 with a large delegation of leaders from both countries in attendance. The U.S. delegation was led by U.S. Ambassador to Canada (and former SC House Speaker) David Wilkins and the large Canadian delegation included several Members of Parliament and business leaders. The two days of discussions and meetings served to increase understanding of each country’s contribution to an increasingly integrated North America.

EllisDon (Mississauga, ON), is completing a $19 million lump sum contract with the South Carolina National Guard for its National Guard Readiness Center / Citadel Football Stadium Skyboxes. The project involves the construction of a new six-storey, 150,000 square foot joint-use facility that will be developed adjacent to the Citadel football stadium and shared by both the South Carolina National Guard and the Citadel Military College.

MQ Windows of Montreal has had success in North and South Carolina, establishing showrooms with local partners in both states for MQ’s distinctive and exclusive high-end products. These relationships have already led to important sales in both states.

June 2008

Tourism

• 488,700 South Carolina visits by Canadians, $261 million spent
• 85,600 South Carolina visits to Canada, $63 million spent

Jobs

• South Carolina jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 95,250

Merchandise Trade

• Exports to Canada: $3 billion
• Imports from Canada: $2.1 billion
• Bilateral trade: $5.1billion

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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.