When international companies invest in America, they cast a vote of confidence in our workforce and economy. Foreign direct investment (FDI) strengthens the U.S. economy and makes it more resilient by fueling innovation, bolstering America’s manufacturing sector, exporting American-made goods and creating millions of high-quality, good-paying jobs. To learn more about how international companies are contributing to the U.S. economy and the communities in which they operate, visit Globalbusiness.org/in-your-state.

Nationally, international companies employ 6.4 percent of America’s overall private sector. However, five states far exceed this national average by welcoming international companies into their local economy. The top five states with the most globally-connected workforces:

#1. South Carolina and Hawaii

South Carolina and Hawaii have the highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 9.4 percent of Hawaiians and South Carolinians in the private sector employed by international companies. More than 820 international employers have operations in South Carolina and over 310 international employers have operations in Hawaii. Among all international employers, those from Germany, France and Canada support the largest number of jobs in South Carolina, respectively. While Japan, France, and the United Kingdom support the largest number of FDI jobs in Hawaii. In South Carolina, BMW Manufacturing invested $20 million into a new training and innovation hub for future technologies in Spartanburg.

#2. Michigan

Michigan has the second highest concentration of foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs, with 9.1 percent of the state’s private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 1,185 international employers have operations in New Hampshire. Of those, companies from Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom support the most FDI jobs in the state. Magna International is investing $526 million and creating more than 1,500 new jobs in the state in St. Clair, Highland Park and Shelby Carter Township.

#3. New Hampshire

New Hampshire has the third highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 9.0 percent of their private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 535 international employers have operations in New Hampshire. Of those, companies from the United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands support the most FDI jobs in the state. UK-based BAE Systems expanded its presence in New Hampshire with a new campus in Manchester.

#4. Kentucky

Kentucky has the fourth highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.9 percent of their private-sector jobs supported by international companies. Nearly 720 international employers have operations in Kentucky. Of those, companies from Germany, Canada and Japan support the most FDI jobs in the state. In 2021, Toyota Motor North America invested $461 million into expanding its Georgetown, Kentucky, factory creating over 1,000 new jobs.