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AWB ’ s 2024 trade mission to Canada strengthened economic ties with Washington ’ s second-largest trading partner .
VANCOUVER , B . C . – The economies of Washington state and Canada are closely linked , sharing hydroelectric power , infrastructure , tourism , cross-border trade and more .
Washington exported $ 9.6 billion in goods to Canada in 2023 , with aerospace parts , energy , farm equipment and machinery , and fruits and nuts topping the list .
In June , AWB led a delegation of employers , lawmakers , and leaders of ports and key state agencies on a weeklong trade mission to Canada , a trip that aimed to reinforce ties with Washington ’ s second largest trading partner .
“ Trade supports jobs in every corner of our state – and Canada is one of our top trading partners ,” AWB President Kris Johnson said . “ We don ’ t – and shouldn ’ t – take this for granted .”
During the trip , Washington business owners met with their Canadian counterparts as well as with federal and provincial level officials . The delegation included companies in manufacturing , agriculture , health care , technology and other industries – and at least one business came away with a possible deal to start exporting their products to Canada .
The trip was the second half of AWB ’ s two-year emphasis on building stronger ties among partners in the United States- Mexico-Canada agreement , which is up for review in 2026 . AWB led a delegation to Mexico in 2023 .
At A Glance
A bipartisan group of Washington lawmakers and business owners headed north in June to Canada for AWB ’ s fourth international trade mission .
The weeklong trip was the second half of AWB ’ s focus on the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement ( USMCA ), an international trade pact up for review in 2026 .
The trip included a boat tour of Canada ’ s largest port , a visit to the Canadian Parliament , stops at the growing Vancouver , B . C . campuses of Amazon and Microsoft , and a sneak peek of the new Clean Hydrogen Hub coming to Simon Fraser University .
The AWB delegation met with Canadian leaders in business and government to talk trade , shipping , agriculture , energy , technology and more .
The trip also explored energy , agriculture , technology and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup – with both Seattle and Vancouver , B . C . preparing to host matches .
Preston Love of the State Farm Insurance Company was part of the AWB delegation to Canada , his first trade mission . He said the most valuable part was networking with legislators and other business owners .
“ An important part of this trip for me was to spend quality time with our legislators who really take an interest in small businesses ,” Love said . Another highlight was learning how Canada is addressing issues such as workforce and housing .
“ It gives us creative ideas for us to address our issues ,” he said .
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In a busy Costco in downtown Vancouver , the AWB delegation spotted Washington-grown apples , sweet cherries and onions . In 2023 , Washington exported $ 1.3 billion in food and farm products to Canada – the state ’ s top market for agricultural goods .
Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison said the trade mission provides an opportunity to learn more about customer preferences and tailor them accordingly .
“ We have to continue to try to expand our markets all over the world ,” he said .
Sandison sat down with B . C . Minister of Agriculture and Food Pam Alexis to discuss the opportunities and challenges for farmers on both sides of the border . Topics included farmers ’ use of technology like robots and artificial intelligence and the impacts of extreme weather .
A cold snap in January 2024 damaged 95 % of wine grapes in B . C .’ s Okanogan Valley , a catastrophic loss for the region ’ s wine industry .
“ To make wine , we need Washington grapes ,” Ron Kubek of Lightning Rock Winery told the AWB delegation . A deal was reached in July to allow British Columbia wineries to temporarily import Washington grapes and juice , a win-win for B . C . wineries and Washington growers .
gateway to commerce
The Port of Vancouver handles more than $ 275 billion in goods each year , making it Canada ’ s largest and busiest port . It handles 50 % of the containers that enter Canada and facilitates trade with 170 countries .
The AWB group got a look at the bustling port ’ s day-to-day operations during a boat tour .
“ We have a tremendous diversity of cargo ,” said Port of Vancouver CEO Peter Xotta . “ Everything Canada does in some way , shape or form comes through the Port of Vancouver .”
In 2023 , the port moved a record 150 million tons of cargo , primarily grains , specialty crops , minerals and fertilizers – like the big yellow piles of sulfur powder seen on the waterfront .
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