Canada Country Profile
North Carolina's excellent business environment and robust talent pipeline are just a few reasons why Canadian are investing in the state.
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Why Canadian Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina
North Carolina offers Canadian companies a business-friendly climate with competitive operating costs, a pro-regulatory environment, and a robust talent pipeline. The state’s East Coast location and strong transportation infrastructure connects directly to Canada through major highways, ports, and direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport to major Canadian cities including Toronto and Montreal, serving as a natural extension for Canadian companies seeking to grow their US presence. Canadian companies also benefit from North Carolina’s skilled workforce, world-class universities, and quality of life that makes it easy to attract and retain top talent.
For the Third Time in Four Years, CNBC Names North Carolina as America’s “Top State for Business”
CNBC has named North Carolina as America’s Top State for Business in 2025, marking the third time the state has garnered the honor in the last four years. This morning, Governor Josh Stein joined CNBC’s Scott Cohn at Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington for a live broadcast where the winner was revealed.
Learn MoreCanadian Investment by the Numbers
36
New and Expanding Companies from Canada since 2013
19K
Canadians Living in North Carolina
2.6%
Unionization Rate (Second lowest in the nation)
2
Airports with Direct Flights to Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver
474K
Manufacturing Workforce (Largest in the Southeast)
Strategic Location
With half of the American population within a day’s drive, North Carolina is strategically positioned in the middle of the United States’ East Coast. Four international airports and two deep seaports put many customers and suppliers within reach.
Speed to Market
You don’t have to navigate complicated tax structures or bureaucratic red tape to do business in North Carolina. We have a top business tax environment and are teeming with resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.
Largest Manufacturing Workforce
Particularly skilled in automotive, EV, machinery, furniture, textile, and food processing, North Carolina’s manufacturing workforce is the largest in the Southeast US (Lightcast, 2025). Credit goes to our 58 community colleges providing premier technical education.
Top Trading Partner
Canada is North Carolina’s top trading partner. In 2023, the state imported $7.6 billion in Canadian goods and exported over $4.6 billion in goods to Canada. Top products imported from Canada include industrial machinery, plastic and wood products, and organic chemicals.
Canadian Companies Prosper in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does North Carolina's business environment compare for Canadian companies?
North Carolina offers Canadian companies an excellent business environment with low operating costs and quick speed to market. The state provides a robust talent pipeline, which is crucial for companies looking to scale their operations in the US market.
The strong economic ties between Canada and North Carolina underscore this opportunity: in 2023, North Carolina imported $7.6 billion in Canadian goods and exported more than $4.6 billion to Canada, making Canada one of the state’s top trading partners. This established trade relationship, combined with North Carolina’s business advantages, positions the state as an ideal destination for Canadian companies seeking cross-border expansion.
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Which Canadian companies have operations in North Carolina?
There are 200 Canadian firms operating in North Carolina, employing more than 22,700 workers in the state. Some notable Canadian companies include Enbridge, Linamar, Gildan, Nutrameltz, and more.
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How can Canadian businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?
Canadian companies looking to expand in the United States will receive customized, end-to-end support through North Carolina. Our team works directly with your company to understand your goals and connect you with statewide resources and partners through every step of the business relocation process—from site selection and workforce solutions to incentives, regulatory guidance, and local market insights. Our services are tailored to the specific needs of Canadian manufacturers and service companies, helping you establish operations efficiently and grow in North Carolina’s business-friendly environment.
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Featured Resources
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Publication
Publication
Inside North Carolina's Workforce | White Paper
North Carolina’s commitment to growing its workforce and training institutions is evident through strategic initiatives and investments in the public education system and nonprofits that...
News
Canadian Packaging Company to Expand U.S. Operations in Thomasville
Imaflex USA, Inc., a flexible packaging manufacturer, will add 37 new jobs in Davidson County. The...
Publication
Clean Energy White Paper
As the costs of fossil fuels rise to the highest levels in decades, businesses are seeking cost effective and sustainable energy solutions.
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Explore NC is a quarterly newsletter for companies interested in expanding their business to North Carolina. Each edition highlights a growing industry, recent project announcements, and more.
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