Home Trade and Investment State Trade Fact Sheets 2006 Massachusetts

Massachusetts

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• Canada–U.S. trade supported 5.2 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $461 billion
• Canada–Massachusetts trade supported 134,000 U.S. jobs
• Canadians made more than 502,900 visits to Massachusetts, spending $168 million
• Massachusetts residents made 553,500 visits to Canada, spending $219 million

Strong trading partners
Canada was the 2nd most important trading partner for Massachusetts' products in 2005. Over 13%, or an impressive $2.7 billion, of the state's exports were sold to its northern trading partners in 2005. More goods were sold to Canada than to France, Mexico, China and India combined. In return, Massachusetts residents bought $6.9 billion worth of Canadian goods, more than $700 million or 10% more than they did in 2004.

Digital connection
Canada was particularly interested in computers produced in Massachusetts, spending over $168 million on these goods in 2005. The sale of computers alone equalled 6% of the state's total revenue from its northern ally. Not surprisingly, computers were the second largest export to Canada in 2005.

The power to trade
With 99.6% of the population of Massachusetts living in urban areas, the state relied heavily on Canada as a source of energy. Massachusetts imported $2.4 billion worth of energy from its northern neighbor in 2005, chiefly in the form of natural gas. Petroleum and coal products represented the next two leading imports from Canada in 2005.

Trade fusion
Unshaped plastics were the largest export from Massachusetts to Canada in 2005. Bringing in $211 million in revenue last year, unshaped plastics along with other chemicals accounted for over 15% of exports to Canada.

From our home to yours
Personal and household goods were the largest export sector from Massachusetts with Canada importing over $470 million worth of these goods. Hand tools and cutlery were the most popular items, with Canada purchasing over $111 million of these products. Equipment, including air conditioning and refrigerators, was the second largest export sector, with trade in the amount of $413 million.

From pilgrims to public transportation
Whether they wished to visit the legendary Plymouth Rock or ride on the first American subway, the New England charm of Massachusetts appealed to many Canadians, who visited the state approximately 502,000 times in 2005, spending $168 million or $34 million more than they did in the previous year. Even more residents of the Bay State got away from it all, traveling north to Canada some 553,500 times and spending $219 million

Massachusetts' Leading Exports to Canada
2005, in millions of U.S. dollars

• Unshaped plastics ($211)
• Computers ($168)
• Paper & paperboard ($122)
• Hand tools & cutlery ($111)
• Medical & related equipment ($74)
• Medical, ophthalmic & orthopaedic supplies ($70)
• Fish & seafood ($55)
• Containers ($47)
• Aircraft engines & parts ($43)
• Valves ($42)

Massachusetts' Leading Imports from Canada
2005, in millions of U.S. dollars

• Natural gas ($1,487)
• Petroleum & coal products ($897)
• Newsprint ($277)
• Softwood lumber ($168)
• Precious metals & alloys ($146)
• Vegetables ($145)
• Prefabricated buildings & structures ($108)
• Clothing ($107)
• Metal fabricated basic products ($97)
• Basic plastic shapes & forms ($95)

Canada-Massachusetts Success Stories

The Artizan Design Centre in Lawrence, MA had its grand opening in March 2006. An innovation of the Wood Products Group of Canada, the centre exhibits premium quality architectural, design and building products made by its member companies. The centre aims to attract New England architects, designers and builders who are looking for access to new, Canadian high quality products. A gateway to new business opportunities between Canada and the U.S., this project is expected to create more than $4 million CAD in new trade sales in its first year of operation.

Founded in 1976, the Canadian company CGI is among the most important independent information technology (IT) and business process services firms in the world. CGI and its affiliated companies employ approximately 25,000 professionals and have over 100 offices in 19 countries. CGI provides end-to-end services to clients worldwide, utilizing a flexible and cost efficient delivery model that combines on-site and off-site operations. CGI's New England operation has approximately 500 employees reporting into the main office located in Andover, MA. Out of this location, CGI serves some notable companies, such as John Hancock, Liberty Mutual and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Each year Harvard University's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs welcomes a visiting professor from Canada who chairs the Canada Seminar. The Mackenzie King Chair is named for the former Prime Minister and alumnus of Harvard, and endowed by the Rockefeller Foundation. The Canada seminar focuses on Canadian economic, social, cultural and political issues, both in their domestic and international dimensions. Public figures, scholars, artists and experts in various fields are invited to make presentations. This seminar serves Harvard faculty, students, and the public by providing a means for understanding United States' largest trading partner and closest ally.

Canaccord Capital Inc., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, recently acquired Boston-based Adams Harkness Financial Group, Inc. to create a new international capital markets division, Canaccord Adams. Canaccord Adams is a leading independent financial services firm which operates eight offices internationally with 225 professionals, and has operations in research, sales and trading, and investment banking.

Massachusetts-Canada Facts at a Glance:

• State jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 134,000

July 2006

For more information on Canada's trade with Massachusetts, please contact:

Consulate General of Canada
Three Copley Place, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02216
Phone: (617) 262-3760   •   Fax: (617) 262-3415
www.boston.gc.ca

Sources: Merchandise trade and tourism figures are from Statistics Canada, converted at the rate of US$1.00=C$1.2116. Merchandise trade data is customs-based for the year 2005. Job numbers are based on 2001 data from a 2003 study by Trade Partnership Worldwide commissioned by the Canadian Embassy. Canada's export ranking is from the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER). All figures are in U.S. dollars. Figures may not add up due to rounding.

• Read the 2005 state trade figures
• Read the 2004 state trade figures
• Read the 2003 state trade figures
• Read the 2002 state trade figures