Canada’s cutting-edge technology powers lithium extraction

By bringing Canadian expertise and investment to Arkansas, Standard Lithium is helping create new opportunities for local workers, suppliers, and communities. In 2025, Vancouver-based Standard Lithium, an innovative Canadian technology and lithium development company, advanced its flagship ‘South West Arkansas Project’ through a joint venture with Equinor. Located in the lithium-rich Smackover Formation, the project will use direct lithium extraction technology to sustainably recover lithium, positioning Arkansas as a cornerstone of North America’s clean energy supply chain.

This Canadian investment highlights the strong trade and economic relationship between Arkansas and Canada, where Canada is already one of the state’s largest trading partners. With estimated capital expenditures of $1.45 billion, the facility will deliver low-carbon lithium products to electric vehicle manufacturers and renewable energy storage providers across North America. The project is expected to generate hundreds of construction and permanent jobs, while supporting regional businesses and strengthening Arkansas’s role in the global battery industry.

Canadians love Walmart

Arkansas-based Walmart has been expanding its footprint in Canada. Walmart Canada now operates a growing chain of over 400 stores nationwide, serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca, is visited by more than 750,000 customers daily. With more than 85,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and also one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands.

Canada invests in Arkansas

Exports to Canada support 6,550 employees in Arkansas in addition to the 5,350 employees at Canadian-owned businesses across the state. Arkansas exports $3.1 billion in goods and services to Canada.

Canadian-owned companies, including West Fraser, Hancock Forest Management, GardaWorld and Anthony Forest Products, are major contributors to Arkansas’ economy. They employ residents in every sector and contribute to the local economy by paying salaries and local taxes and purchasing goods and services in their supply chain.

Arkansas exports $2.8 billion in goods to Canada annually
Arkansas exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 25%
• Equipment & machinery: 41%
• Minerals & metals: 4%
• Transportation: 21%
• Other: 9%

Top Arkansas goods exports to Canada

• Paper & paperboard: $92 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $86 million
• Iron & steel tubes, pipes & sheets: $86 million
• Cereals: $79 million
• Heating, cooling & refrigeration equipment: $78 million
• Aircraft & parts: $71 million
• Perfumes, essential oils & toiletries: $50 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $47 million
• Animal meats: $44 million
• Electric motors & generators: $43 million

Arkansas exports $303 million in services to Canada annually
Top Arkansas services exports to Canada

• Travel (including for education): $113 million
• Business services: $66 million
• Financial services: $47 million
• Telecommunications, computer & IT services: $25 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $20 million

Arkansas imports $1.1 billion in goods from Canada annually
Arkansas imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 17%
• Chemicals: 11%
• Equipment & machinery: 20%
• Forest products: 5%
• Minerals & metals: 24%
• Plastics & rubbers: 7%
• Transportation: 3%
• Other: 13%

Top Arkansas goods imports from Canada

• Zinc & zinc articles: $119 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $66 million
• Soaps, candles & waxes: $46 million
• Inorganic chemicals: $46 million
• Firearms & ammunition: $45 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $44 million
• Electric motors & generators: $36 million
• Beverages & alcohol: $29 million
• Furniture & bedding: $23 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $23 million