North Carolina maintains a robust and diverse economy that is increasingly integrated with global markets. The state’s economic landscape is characterized by advanced manufacturing, a thriving pharmaceutical sector, and significant agricultural output, all relying heavily on international commerce. This global engagement is a defining feature of North Carolina’s financial health, enabling businesses to access necessary foreign inputs and reach consumers worldwide. International trade supports innovation, sustains employment, and generates substantial revenue for the state economy.
Understanding the Metrics for “Biggest”
Identifying North Carolina’s largest trading partner requires defining how “biggest” is measured. A nation can be the largest destination for exports, the largest source for imports, or the sum of both. Total trade value, which combines the value of goods and services exported and imported, provides the most comprehensive measure of the overall economic relationship. This metric accounts for the full scope of financial activity between North Carolina and its international partners. The largest partner is determined by the highest annual figure for the combined value of two-way trade.
North Carolina’s Top International Trading Partner
The nation representing North Carolina’s largest trading relationship by total goods value is China. In 2024, two-way trade in goods between North Carolina and China reached approximately $15.7 billion. This total trade value is derived from North Carolina exporting $5.9 billion in goods to China while importing an estimated $9.8 billion in goods from the country.
This substantial volume establishes China as the state’s most financially active goods partner, narrowly surpassing other nations. The relationship is primarily import-driven, reflecting North Carolina’s demand for various manufactured products. China is also the second-largest destination for North Carolina’s exports, underscoring its importance as both a supplier and a consumer. The scope of this trade highlights the deep integration of state supply chains with the Chinese market.
Key Products and Industries Driving the Trade Relationship
Major Exports
The primary driver of North Carolina’s export growth to China is the biopharmaceutical sector. Pharmaceuticals alone accounted for 57% of all state exports to China in 2024, demonstrating a specialized trade focus. These exports largely consist of high-value immunological products, such as vaccines, blood antisera, toxins, and cultures. This reflects the concentration of pharmaceutical research and manufacturing in the state and China’s demand for these advanced products.
Other manufactured goods also contribute significantly to the export total. Electric machinery, including various components and parts, represents a major category of goods shipped to China. Additionally, materials like stone, lime, and cement are exported, supporting infrastructure and construction needs.
Major Imports
North Carolina’s imports from China are diverse, supporting numerous industries and consumer markets. A large portion of the import value consists of electric machinery and computer equipment, which are essential inputs for the state’s technology and manufacturing sectors. These items include components, finished electronics, and various types of industrial machinery. China’s role as a global manufacturing hub makes it a prominent source for these intermediate and capital goods.
The state also imports large volumes of apparel and textiles, which are important for retail and distribution networks. Other key imported products include basic chemicals and materials used in local production processes. The reliance on China for these manufactured goods underscores the importance of the Chinese market in maintaining North Carolina’s supply chains and meeting local consumer demand.
North Carolina’s Other Vital Trade Partners
While China is the largest partner by total goods trade, North Carolina maintains substantial relationships with several other nations. Mexico ranks as the second-largest overall goods trading partner, with a total trade value of approximately $13.2 billion in 2024. Trade with Mexico is characterized by cross-border supply chains, with imports of electric machinery and motor vehicles supporting North Carolina’s automotive and transportation equipment manufacturing base.
Canada, the third-largest total goods partner at about $13.1 billion, is consistently the state’s largest export destination for goods. North Carolina ships a wide array of products to Canada, including industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, and vehicles, reflecting the close economic ties of the North American market. Germany follows, contributing to North Carolina’s imports with advanced machinery and vehicles, accounting for an estimated $8.5 billion in total goods trade. Ireland also features prominently, driven by large volumes of pharmaceutical imports, making it a significant import source.
The Overall Economic Significance of International Trade
International trade provides a foundation for the North Carolina economy, extending beyond the direct movement of goods. Global commerce, encompassing both exports and imports, supports an estimated 1.3 million jobs across the state. This figure represents approximately one in every five jobs in North Carolina, highlighting the widespread impact of trade on the workforce. These trade-supported positions often offer compensation that averages about 16 percent higher than other jobs, demonstrating the high-value nature of this global economic engagement.
International investment plays a significant role in job creation and economic stability. Foreign-headquartered companies operating within North Carolina directly employ more than 303,600 workers. Goods export revenue alone contributed 5.4 percent to North Carolina’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024. When including services, North Carolina exported a total of $72 billion in goods and services in 2023, illustrating the financial scale of the state’s participation in the global marketplace.