Country Information Export Development Canada North America

United States

While it’s always good to diversify, the U.S. is Canada’s number-one global customer, with a market ten times the size of our own, conveniently located right next door.

Country Info | United States

Evaluating the market in the United States

We can help you get a better understanding of market activity, relationships and support to grow your business.

EDC Position

EDC Country Position - Open

Open

What this means:

  • Actively pursuing business
  • All EDC solutions are available in this market, subject to regular approval criteria
How does EDC determine the position?

Risk Rating

EDC Country Position – Low Risk

Low Risk

What this means:

The Commercial Country Ceiling (CCC) Risk Rating is measured from low to high, and is meant to represent the best possible rating that can be assigned to a commercial business (obligor) in a country.

How does EDC determine the risk rating?

Business environment in United States

With a GDP of US18.56 trillion in 2016, the United States is the world's second largest economy (in purchasing power parity terms) and is ranked the eighth best country in the world in terms of ease of doing business (World Bank 2016 Doing Business report) . Despite some uncertainty regarding future policy direction, the economic recovery is gaining traction and the American private sector is in great shape with corporate profitability at an all-time high and a record amount of cash. Consumers are also spending more now that the housing market is regaining strength and confidence is positive. Canada and the United States have the largest trading relationship in the world, with more than 75% of Canada’s total exports going to the U.S. in 2016. As a result, we see excellent potential and export investment opportunities that match Canadian potential, which will deepen this already superb trading relationship.
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive & Heavy Truck
  • Consumer Goods
  • Knowledge Based Industries
  • Oil and Gas
  • Telecom

Trade agreements make it easier for businesses to trade and invest in other countries. In this guide, we take a look at each of Canada’s free trade agreements and explain when and how you can use them to sell outside Canada.

Profiting from Canada’s International Trade Agreements

Countries that share free trade agreements (FTAs) with Canada often make ideal new markets. Learn the basics of FTAs and how they can benefit your business.

Here’s a helpful tip for doing business in the U.S.

Don’t mistake the U.S. as being one homogenous market – there are several distinct market regions, each with its own sector opportunities and advantages.

Unlock key contacts in the U.S. when you download our Market Entry Advisor Guide.

International Trade Solutions

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With our knowledge and solutions, you can take on the world knowing that we've got your back.

Access more insights on this country

US tariffs on steel and aluminum

Worried about U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum? Here’s a primer

Article Find out what the US-imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports mean for your business.
Peter Hall EDC: Auto Sector and Vehicle Sales

Vehicle sales: On auto pilot?

Video Will sales be up, down or sideways?
All Eyes on NAFTA Negotiations

All eyes on NAFTA negotiations

Blog If a new NAFTA deal is going to be reached in 2018, it must happen soon.
EDC Peter Hall: Tighter Times in the Global Economic Outlook

Tighter times

Video Tightening sounds frightening; this time, it’s actually good news.
Peter Hall EDC: Americas Auto Sector

America’s red-hot auto sector

Video Red hot US auto sales are not without their problems.
State of the Union Canada trade

U.S. State of the Union address short on trade

Article Despite Canada’s fear and trepidation, U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address hardly mentioned trade at all, let alone trade with Canada.
View more

Interested in growing your business in this market?

Speak to a Trade Advisor weekdays between 9 am to 5 pm EST.

1-888-220-0047

1-888-220-0047

Or send us a question and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Send a question

Alicia McCarthy

Senior Trade Advisor, EDC

Alicia McCarthy Senior Trade Advisor, EDC