North Atlantic
Maine International Trade Center’s North Atlantic initiative connects Maine businesses and institutions with opportunities in the North Atlantic region to expand trade and increase investment.
The North Atlantic countries are look-alike markets sharing many parallels with Maine including natural resources based economies, influence of maritime history, a significant number of businesses are small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and focus on sustainability.
“The primary goal of Maine’s North Atlantic partnerships is to create integrated value chains that benefit both regions. North Atlantic companies gain access to the US market through Maine’s infrastructure and expertise, while Maine businesses access innovations, technologies, and established international networks in North Atlantic markets. This approach supports climate action goals, economic development objectives, and social impact initiatives on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Dan Berger, Director of the Maine North Atlantic Development Office, Maine International Trade Center (MITC)
What is the North Atlantic?
- Atlantic Canada
- Denmark
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Norway
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
Strategic Industry Collaboration
Forest Bioeconomy Innovation
The forest sector represents a growing area of collaboration, with Maine and Finland launching the Bioproduct Market Expansion Accelerator in 2025. This program builds on established reciprocal trade and study missions between Maine and Finland, where forest industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers have exchanged expertise on sustainable forest management, advanced manufacturing techniques, and bioproduct innovation. The accelerator will support foreign direct investment by providing Nordic forest bioproduct innovators with resources and connections to successfully expand into the US market.
Ocean Economy Integration
Maine’s International Marine Terminal has already become a critical hub for processing and distributing fish harvested by the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway, serving growing US market demand. This existing infrastructure positions Maine as a natural gateway for further North Atlantic fisheries integration, with opportunities for foreign direct investment in new processing capabilities and expanded aquaculture production. Maine’s managed, high-quality oyster and mussel shellfish industry exemplifies the potential for reciprocal aquaculture trade with Iceland and Europe, where our production expertise can complement North Atlantic innovations in sustainable marine farming.
Renewable Energy Leadership
With its pioneering offshore wind innovation, proximity to the abundant wind resource of the Gulf of Maine, and a capable supply chain driven by local expertise, Maine is poised to take a leadership role in a fast-growing, global offshore wind industry. Maine’s emerging floating offshore wind industry demands global supply chain solutions that North Atlantic countries excel at providing. Trade missions to Denmark and Norway, combined with our MOU with Scotland/UK, demonstrate Maine’s commitment to learning from established floating wind expertise while contributing our own innovations.
Looking North: Growing Global Interest in the Arctic Economy
Maine and the Global Arctic
Maine’s geographic location establishes the state as a strategic transportation node between the eastern seaboard and new Arctic trade routes. Beyond its geographic location, Maine’s strategic significance also lies in its established connections with Arctic nations and the Arctic economy.
