Alabama Engages in Southeast U.S.-Canadian Business Forum

News Summary

Alabama is participating in the Southeast U.S.-Canadian Provinces Business Forum in St. John, Newfoundland and Labrador. The forum aims to foster trade and investment opportunities, focusing on critical sectors like food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, and energy. Led by Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ed Castile, the event includes expert panels and a B2B matchmaking program, connecting Alabama’s small businesses with Canadian partners. With significant growth in the commercial relationship, Canada has become Alabama’s largest export market, emphasizing the importance of economic collaboration.

Alabama is actively participating in the 2025 Southeast U.S.-Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) Business Forum, which is currently underway in St. John, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. The event started on Sunday and will continue for three days, focusing on enhancing trade and investment opportunities between Alabama and Canada.

Leading the delegation is Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ed Castile, who emphasized the mission’s aim to expand opportunities in three critical sectors: food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, and energy. This forum brings together six Southeastern U.S. states—Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—and six Canadian provinces, fostering strong commercial and cultural ties.

The forum features a packed agenda that includes expert-led panel discussions, networking events, and a business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking program. The matchmaking initiative is designed to connect businesses with potential partners and customers, showcasing participation from major Canadian firms such as NB Power, J.D. Irving, and Organigram Global.

Castile underscored the significance of Alabama’s presence at the forum, particularly for small businesses seeking access to high-value markets and international partnerships. He noted that Canada ranks as one of Alabama’s most crucial trading partners, showcasing the innovative capabilities of Alabama businesses on an international scale.

Two small businesses from Alabama are participating in the matchmaking program, facilitated by Market Access International. This initiative is aimed at bridging gaps in international trade and fostering new economic relationships across borders.

The SEUS-CP alliance, formed in 2007, aims to strengthen economic collaboration between designated states and provinces, enhancing mutual benefits through joint initiatives. The alliance includes Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island alongside the Southeastern U.S. states.

In recent years, the commercial relationship between Alabama and Canada has seen significant growth. In 2024, Canada emerged as Alabama’s largest export market, with shipments reaching a total of $4.3 billion, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. Alabama also imported goods valued at $3.8 billion from Canada during the same year.

Currently, over 260 Canadian companies are operational in Alabama, providing jobs to approximately 9,500 residents. Since 2015, Canadian investment in the state has exceeded $1.7 billion, contributing to the creation of around 3,000 jobs. This economic collaboration not only bolsters Alabama’s workforce but also underscores the importance of continued partnerships between the two regions.

The SEUS-CP Business Forum serves as a valuable platform for fostering international dialogue, encouraging innovation, and creating future pathways for trade and investment. The continued commitment from both Alabama and Canada highlights the potential for expanded economic partnerships as they navigate evolving global markets.