China

International Growth in North Carolina

$897M

Invested in NC by Chinese Companies Since 2014

3.4K

New Jobs Announced by Chinese Companies Since 2014

#1

Largest Manufacturing Workforce in the Southeast US (Lightcast, 2025)

View of mountains from Chimney Rock State Park, North Carolina.
Expand to the US 

Why Chinese Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina
 

North Carolina’s business-friendly environment with competitive operating costs, a pro-regulatory climate, and access to major East Coast markets has attracted several Chinese companies to start their American operations. Chinese investors benefit from North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in automotive, clean energy, and technology sectors, supported by a skilled workforce and world-class research universities. The state’s central East Coast location provides efficient distribution channels to reach over half the US population within a day’s drive, while major ports and highways facilitate international logistics.  

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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.

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Chinese Investment in North Carolina

Since 2014, Chinese companies such as CARsgen Therapeutics, LENOVO, and HAECO have created over 3,400 new jobs and made more than $897M in capital investments in North Carolina.

life sciences worker

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.

Proximity map of NC

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 full of resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.

aerial view of heavy machinery on construction site

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. Credit goes to our 58 community colleges providing premier technical education.

young engineer in the shop

Leader in Clean Energy

Our state is ranked among the best in America for clean energy. A business-friendly environment, a robust supply chain, and a workforce of over 135,000 are just some of the reasons why renewable energy companies choose North Carolina.

North Carolina Clean Energy

Chinese Companies Prosper in North Carolina

Some prominent Chinese companies that have already established themselves in this state include:

CARsgen Therapeutics

HAECO

KSM Castings

LENOVO

Yanjan

Samson Holding

WH Group

The new production site in North Carolina will enable us to supply our current and future customers in the growing US market on a more local basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is North Carolina's talent pipeline like for Chinese businesses?

    With a total labor force of 5.5 million, North Carolina has no shortage of educated, skilled labor to meet Chinese business needs. Boasting the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, North Carolina’s 58 community college system offers technical programs to meet any industry needs.

    More about Workforce & Education

  • Which Chinese companies have operations in North Carolina?

    Chinese companies have created over 3,400 new jobs and more than $897 million in capital investments in North Carolina since 2014. Some notable Chinese companies with operations in North Carolina include Carsgen Therapeutics, HAECO, KSM Castings, Lenovo, Yanjan, and more.

  • How can Chinese businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?

    Chinese 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 Chinese manufacturers and service companies, helping you establish operations efficiently and grow in North Carolina’s business-friendly environment.

    Contact Us

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Stay on Top of Business Growth

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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Nathaniel Dick

Nathaniel Dick

Senior Business Development Manager
Asia & Oceania