Canadian materials powering sustainable homebuilding

Walpole and Keene-based Bensonwood is at the forefront of designing and engineering the next generation of healthy, energy-efficient homes, using high-quality materials sourced from trusted Canadian partners they have collaborated with for decades.

Approximately one-third of the lumber and other materials used in Bensonwood’s precision off-site manufacturing come from Canada, including advanced engineered timber products that are essential to their process.

These Canadian materials support Bensonwood’s commitment to innovation in design, engineering, and sustainable construction.

The quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness of those Canadian products have enabled high-value manufacturing to thrive in New Hampshire, fostering a dynamic Can-Am supply chain that has fueled Bensonwood’s growth and local workforce expansion.

PoutineFest brings together NH and Quebec

Every October, Merrimack, New Hampshire becomes a cultural bridge during PoutineFest, the largest celebration of Quebec’s iconic dish outside Canada. Born of the strong Franco-American roots that many New Hampshirites trace back to Canada, this vibrant festival honors that heritage while fostering continued cross-border friendship.

Volunteers proudly wear “Je parle français” stickers, families swap stories of ancestors who moved across the border, and local chefs compete for the coveted championship belt.

While Merrimack remains the heart of the celebration, sister events in Vermont and Maine extend the spirit of PoutineFest across the region. Canadian vendors collaborate with U.S. businesses, visitors from Quebec boost local tourism, and shared heritage fosters goodwill.

PoutineFest is a joyful example of how grassroots initiatives strengthen bonds between neighbors.

Flying in style

PlaneSense, the third largest fractional aircraft program in the U.S., has earned a reputation as a trusted provider of private flight solutions, serving clients across the U.S., Canada, and internationally. With a legacy of over 30 years in the industry, PlaneSense is not only a leader in delivering world class service and private aviation experiences but also plays a key role in supporting New Hampshire’s economy. The company anchors high-skill employment with its Portsmouth headquarters acting as a national hub for maintenance, training, and logistics operations, creating numerous jobs and fostering a highly trained workforce dedicated to ensuring safety and excellence.

As the world’s largest commercial operator of Pilatus PC-12 turboprops and PC-24 jets, PlaneSense also relies on the strong Canada-New England aerospace corridor that has developed over the decades. In particular, PlaneSense relies on the advanced PC-12 engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada, highlighting the vital role that integrated North American manufacturing plays in the sector. By leveraging these cross-border partnerships, PlaneSense not only enhances its own competitiveness but also reinforces New Hampshire’s position within a deeply interconnected U.S.–Canada supply network, supporting economic growth and technological advancement throughout the region.

New Hampshire exports $852 million in goods to Canada annually
New Hampshire exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 7%
• Equipment & machinery: 37%
• Forest products: 5%
• Minerals & metals: 12%
• Plastics & rubbers: 7%
• Transportation: 25%
• Other: 7%

Top New Hampshire goods exports to Canada

• Aircraft & parts: $208 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $42 million
• Cocoa & chocolate: $36 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $34 million
• Pearls, gems, precious metals & jewelry: $32 million
• Wood & semi-finished wood products: $22 million
• Stone & cement products, abrasives: $21 million
• Rubber & rubber articles: $17 million
• Engines & turbines: $16 million
• Electric motors & generators: $12 million

New Hampshire exports $383 million in services to Canada annually
Top New Hampshire services exports to Canada

• Travel (including for education): $137 million
• Business services: $106 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $74 million
• Insurance services: $21 million
• Financial services: $18 million

New Hampshire imports $1.9 billion in goods from Canada annually
New Hampshire imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 18%
• Energy: 29%
• Equipment & machinery: 18%
• Forest products: 9%
• Minerals & metals: 11%
• Plastics & rubbers: 3%
• Transportation: 4%
• Other: 8%

Top New Hampshire goods imports from Canada

• Fuel oil: $447 million
• Fish & crustaceans: $179 million
• Engines & turbines: $133 million
• Petroleum coke & bitumen: $84 million
• Wood & semi-finished wood products: $73 million
• Animal meats: $71 million
• Softwood lumber: $56 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $54 million
• Iron & steel tubes, pipes & sheets: $46 million
• Copper & copper articles: $44 million