International companies in the United States have led the way throughout the pandemic by taking extraordinary steps to safeguard their workers and customers. These American employers are also uniquely positioned to spur America’s economic recovery and jumpstart job growth. 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 5.1 percent of America’s overall private sector. However, five states far exceed this national average by welcoming international companies into their local economy. Here are the top five states with the most globally connected workforces:
#1. South Carolina
South Carolina has the highest concentration of foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs, with 9.8 percent of South Carolinians employed by international companies in the private sector. More than 947 international employers have operations in South Carolina. Among all international employers, those from Germany, France and Canada support the largest number of jobs in South Carolina, respectively.
#2. Delaware
Delaware has the second highest concentration of foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs, with 9.0 percent of the state’s private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 516 international employers have operations in Delaware. Of those, companies from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands support the most FDI jobs in the state respectively.
#3. Kentucky
Kentucky has the third highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.8 percent of their private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 785 international employers have operations in Kentucky. Of those, companies from Japan, Canada and Germany support the most FDI jobs in the state.
#4. Michigan
Michigan has the fourth highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.6 percent of its private-sector jobs supported by international companies. Nearly 1,325 international employers have operations in Kentucky. Of those, companies from Japan, Germany and the Netherlands support the most FDI jobs in the state.
#5. New Hampshire
New Hampshire has the fifth-highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.6 percent of its private-sector jobs being supported by international companies. 585 international companies have operations in this state, with businesses from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada supporting the most FDI jobs in the state.