"Ontario and Illinois share significant economic ties through cross-border trade," said Robert Kavcic, Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "Last year, Ontario exported about $7 billion of goods to Illinois, or nearly 4% of total shipments. In fact, Ontario exports more to Illinois than 45 other U.S. states and all countries other than the United Kingdom. At the same time, this is a two-way street with about 4% of Ontario’s imports coming from Illinois – more than only three other U.S. states and all countries but China and Mexico.
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"Overall, Ontario traded nearly $17 billion worth of goods with Illinois, or about 4 per cent of Ontario’s total trade in 2010. Illinois is Ontario’s 5th most significant state trading partner, while Chicago itself sends about a third of its exports to Canada. In recent years, we have seen firms such as CN, Porter Airlines and BMO make major investments to facilitate trade and commerce between Chicago and Toronto."
Mr. Kavcic noted that a trade mission, led by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford which starts later today, is designed to help both centres grow their respective economic pies. "Chicago and Toronto are the economic engines of the Great Lakes. On a per-capita basis, Toronto and Chicago each produce more than $50,000 in economic output across a diverse range of industries including manufacturing, transportation & warehousing, finance and real estate. While both centres are seeing a long-term trend away from manufacturing and into services, trade missions like this will help both cities strengthen ties and position themselves for success in the years to come."
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