Canada partners with the U.S. to defend North America and accelerate innovation in aerospace and defense

Canada’s strategic defense procurement not only strengthens U.S.–Canada national security and defense cooperation but also creates well-paying jobs in Washington. Boeing’s key manufacturing facility in Renton has a $5.9 billion contract to produce 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. This deal further fosters the supply chain partnership between the U.S. and Canada, as Canada remains Boeing’s key supply chain and innovation partner. Canadian partners like Espace Aéro in Quebec and Xpand Canada Commercialisation Centre in Alberta strengthen the Aerospace industry’s competitiveness. The P-8A Poseidon will be Canada’s new maritime patrol aircraft and will enable our two countries to jointly defend against hostile threats to our shared waters and the Arctic.

Canada powers Washington’s economy

Canada is the Pacific Northwest’s reliable energy partner. From lighting homes and heating buildings to powering manufacturing facilities and helping the agricultural sector grow, sustainably sourced Canadian natural gas powers Washington. Over 90% of Washington’s natural gas imports come from Canada, providing the affordable energy that Washingtonians need.

Washington’s agricultural production is also optimized by affordable potash from Canada. This essential Canadian nutrient helps farmers, and supports a sustainable and innovative agriculture sector whose products are on every American family’s table and contributes significantly to Washington’s export economy.

Canadians have the watch in Washington State

When hostile threats emerge, North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command mobilizes. Every day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) defend North America’s airspace. As part of the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS), they serve within a fully integrated binational team responsible for aerospace warning and aerospace control across the western United States.

Working alongside U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force partners, Canadian personnel control, direct, and oversee the response to hundreds of events each year, including tracking unknown aircraft, identifying potential threats, and coordinating airspace control.

Their work at WADS represents a broader national contribution: approximately 1,000 CAF personnel support NORAD missions across North America. The team at the WADS includes 15 full-time Canadian members, part of a wider CAF footprint of over 700 personnel across the continental United States. This enduring presence reflects Canada and the United States’ shared commitment to continental defense, a commitment that remains essential as NORAD modernizes for emerging threats.

Washington exports $7.0 billion in goods to Canada annually
Washington exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 20%
• Energy: 9%
• Equipment & machinery: 21%
• Forest products: 10%
• Minerals & metals: 8%
• Plastics & rubbers: 3%
• Transportation: 19%
• Other: 10%

Top Washington goods exports to Canada

• Aircraft & parts: $798 million
• Paper & paperboard: $459 million
• Electricity: $387 million
• Fruits & nuts: $379 million
• Toys, games, sporting & recreation equipment: $346 million
• Fish & crustaceans: $267 million
• Fuel oil: $227 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $225 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $221 million
• Tractors: $184 million

Washington exports $2.3 billion in services to Canada annually
Top Washington services exports to Canada

• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $615 million
• Travel (including for education): $475 million
• Business services: $448 million
• Telecommunications, computer & IT services: $334 million
• Transport: $323 million

Washington imports $16.1 billion in goods from Canada annually
Washington imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 12%
• Chemicals: 3%
• Energy: 53%
• Equipment & machinery: 6%
• Forest products: 7%
• Minerals & metals: 4%
• Transportation: 4%
• Other: 11%

Top Washington goods imports from Canada

• Crude petroleum: $4.6 billion
• Natural gas & other gases: $3.4 billion
• Live animals: $562 million
• Softwood lumber: $513 million
• Wood & semi-finished wood products: $473 million
• Aircraft & parts: $378 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $241 million
• Electricity: $237 million
• Fuel oil: $221 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $214 million