Canada represents the U.S. and the Maine’s leading trading partner. With their geographic proximity, open market economy, stable business climate, and familiar business practices, Canada plays a crucial role in trade development. $1.5 billion of goods cross the border each day and over 300,000 people cross the border on a daily basis. The two-way trade that crosses the Ambassador Bridge between Michigan and Ontario exceeds all U.S. exports to Japan.

Canada has consistently been Maine’s largest export market, representing over a third of all Maine exports in 2009 with $858 million of Maine products sold. The leading exports to Canada are primarily in the natural resource products sectors with wood in the rough, logs and fuel wood, and wood sawn or chipped representing approx. $214 million; paper products representing $126 million of exports; and live lobster exports valued at $101 million. Canada is also by far the largest source of foreign investment in the state, representing 55% of the foreign-owned companies in Maine.

The Maine International Trade Center (MITC) leads trade missions to Canada, conducts education workshops and seminars specific to the country, and has provided hundreds of technical assistance questions and trade counseling to Maine companies. The Trade Center also maintains relationships with public and private sector entities in Canada to ease companies' entry into the Canadian market.

If you are ready to start exporting, or simply want to grow your export sales in Canada, let MITC put their years of experience to work for you.