Canada building the railway of the 21^st century in Louisiana

In 2025, the Canadian National Railway Company (CN) announced a new $50 million investment in Louisiana, building on $52 million spent in 2024. By combining Canadian capital with Louisiana’s strategic location, CN is helping build the railway of the 21^st century — reducing emissions, supporting communities, and ensuring Louisiana remains a vital hub in the Canada–U.S. trade corridor.

The company’s projects include expanding capacity in the New Orleans area and upgrading operations at CN’s Geismar railyard to ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods across Louisiana and CN’s transcontinental network. CN’s continued investment underscores the strong economic relationship between Canada and Louisiana, where Canada is already one of the state’s largest trading partners. CN’s presence supports hundreds of local jobs, strengthens the Port of New Orleans, and connects Louisiana businesses to markets across North America.

Beyond infrastructure, CN also invests in Louisiana communities. In April 2025, CN supported the dedication of the Harahan Park of Heroes, a memorial honoring local veterans who gave their lives in service. This contribution reflects CN’s commitment to civic pride and community well-being, showing how Canadian companies are enriching Louisiana beyond trade and transportation.

Canada invests in Louisiana

Exports to Canada support 17,800 employees in Louisiana in addition to the 8,500 employees at Canadian-owned businesses across the state. Louisiana exports $4.8 billion in goods and services to Canada.

Canadian-owned companies, including PCS Nitrogen, WHC, Circle K and Precision Drilling, are major contributors to Louisiana’s 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.

Louisiana exports $3.2 billion in goods to Canada annually
Louisiana exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 5%
• Chemicals: 18%
• Energy: 44%
• Equipment & machinery: 6%
• Plastics & rubbers: 22%
• Other: 5%

Top Louisiana goods exports to Canada

• Fuel oil: $1.0 billion
• Plastics & plastic articles: $640 million
• Crude petroleum: $281 million
• Organic chemicals: $162 million
• Inorganic chemicals: $159 million
• Petroleum coke & bitumen: $131 million
• Animal or vegetable fats, oils & waxes: $70 million
• Rubber & rubber articles: $61 million
• Railway trains & rolling stock: $55 million
• Fertilizers: $54 million

Louisiana exports $1.6 billion in services to Canada annually
Top Louisiana services exports to Canada

• Transport: $1.1 billion
• Travel (including for education): $251 million
• Business services: $125 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $77 million
• Maintenance & repair services: $30 million

Louisiana imports $2.7 billion in goods from Canada annually
Louisiana imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 17%
• Chemicals: 11%
• Energy: 37%
• Equipment & machinery: 11%
• Minerals & metals: 13%
• Plastics & rubbers: 3%
• Other: 8%

Top Louisiana goods imports from Canada

• Petroleum coke & bitumen: $467 million
• Animal or vegetable fats, oils & waxes: $371 million
• Fuel oil: $236 million
• Crude petroleum: $228 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $154 million
• Ores, slag & ash: $145 million
• Organic chemicals: $134 million
• Fertilizers: $98 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $79 million
• Natural gas & other gases: $48 million