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 6.2 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 9.5 percent of South Carolinians in the private sector being employed by international companies. More than 890 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. In 2023, BMW officially broke ground on a $700 million electric vehicle battery plant in Woodruff, South Carolina.
#2. Michigan
Michigan has the second highest concentration of foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs, with 8.8 percent of the state’s private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 1,230 international employers have operations in New Hampshire. Of those, companies from Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom support the most FDI jobs in the state, respectively. Recently, LG invested $3 billion in Holland, Michigan, to supply Toyota with EV batteries.
#3. New Hampshire
New Hampshire has the third highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.7 percent of their private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 575 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, respectively. Anheuser-Busch has invested $6 million into a new canning line at its brewery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
#4. Kentucky
Kentucky has the fourth highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.6 percent of their private-sector jobs supported by international companies. Nearly 740 international employers have operations in Kentucky. Of those, companies from Japan, Germany and Canada support the most FDI jobs in the state, respectively. DHL recently opened a new facility in Kentucky with a $74 million investment. The facility is home to about 400 jobs.
#5. Hawaii
Hawaii has the fifth highest concentration of FDI jobs with 8.5 percent of their private-sector jobs supported by international companies. Over 330 international companies have operations in this state, with businesses from Japan, France and the United Kingdom supporting the most FDI jobs in the state, respectively.