Home Trade and Investment State Trade Fact Sheets 2006 Rhode Island

Rhode Island

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• Canada–U.S. trade supported 5.2 million U.S. jobs
• Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $461 billion
• Canada–Rhode Island trade supported 19,000 U.S. jobs
• Canadians made more than 53,500 visits to Rhode Island, spending $18 million
• Rhode Island residents made 55,500 visits to Canada, spending $23 million

Not to be outdone
Rhode Island benefited significantly from its trading relationship with Canada in 2005. Rhode Island exported more goods to its northern neighbor than to its next top eight foreign markets combined. State exports to Canada totaled $426 million — approximately 34% of all Rhode Island exports sold worldwide.

Strengthening each other
Metals dominated Rhode Island's import and export markets, generating $426 million in bilateral trade. Metal imports from Canada valued at $307 million consisted mostly of precious metals and alloys, worth $274 million. Precious metals comprised 89% of all metal imports and were the top import from Canada in 2005. Metals purchased by Rhode Island increased by 15% over 2004 and accounted for 33% of total Canadian imports in 2005.

The luster of good Providence
Household goods were in high demand in Canada in 2005. Watches, clocks, jewelery, and silverware represented Rhode Island's second largest export to Canada in 2005, bringing in $19 million.

Keeping each other well-equipped
The Ocean State profited considerably from the sale of equipment to its northern ally, bringing in $51 million in 2005. Safety and sanitation equipment and a variety of electrical lighting distribution equipment were in high demand by Canadian buyers, who increased their purchases of Rhode Island equipment by $10 million in 2005.

A taste of the country
In 2004, Rhode Island supported its completely urban community with a number of agricultural products from Canada. Imports included meat, oils and cereals. Overall, Canada sold $73 million worth of agricultural goods to its neighbor in New England.

Rhode Island Is for Me
In spite of its small size (37 by 48 miles), many Canadians enjoyed visiting the heart of New England, making over 53,500 visits to Rhode Island in 2005. Once there, they spent $18 million — a $6 million increase over the previous year. Rhode Islanders explored their World Next Door, visiting Canada nearly 55,500 times and spending $23 million.

Rhode Island's Leading Exports to Canada
2005, in millions of U.S. dollars

• Precious metals & alloys ($21)
• Watches, clocks, jewelry & silverware ($19)
• Safety & sanitation equipment ($13)
• Unshaped plastics ($12)
• Fish & seafood ($9)
• Plastic film & sheet ($8)
• Hand tools & cutlery ($7)
• Containers ($6)
• Stationery & office supplies ($6)
• Rubber fabricated materials ($6)

Rhode Island's Leading Imports from Canada
2005, in millions of U.S. dollars

• Petroleum & coal products ($285)
• Precious metals & alloys ($274)
• Printed matter ($31)
• Newsprint ($15)
• Metal fabricated basic products ($14)
• Basic plastic shapes & forms ($12)
• Containers ($11)
• Prefabricated buildings & structures ($11)
• Meat ($10)
• Softwood lumber ($9)

Canada-Rhode Island Success Stories

In January 2006, representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador signed three memoranda of understanding (MOU) with counterparts in New England. The first MOU, signed by Premier Williams and Governor Carcieri, is to develop the relationship between the province and Rhode Island and strengthen cooperation and partnership in ocean and marine technology, as well as other sectors that hold benefit for both regions. The second MOU, signed between OceansAdvance based in St. John's and the Marine and Oceanographic Technology Network (MOTN) based in New England, will explore and develop economic partnerships between the two industry associations, foster economic development and exchanges between its members and capitalize on the synergies between these two communities. The third MOU between the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University (St. John's, NL) and the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography was signed to formalize the relationship between the two institutions.

The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) U.S.A. Inc., incorporated on August 6, 1986, directs the retail operations of a network of 332 corporate pharmacies throughout New England. It handles warehousing and product distribution as well as real estate management for The Jean Coutu Group in the United States. The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) U.S.A. has its Head Office in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Rhode Island-Canada Facts at a Glance:

• State jobs supported by Canada–U.S. trade: 19,000

July 2006

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

Consulate General of Canada
Three Copley Place, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02216
Phone: (617) 262-3760   •  Fax: 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