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 has the highest concentration of foreign direct investment (FDI) jobs, with 10.3 percent of South Carolinians employed by international companies in the private sector. More than 1,024 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. Kentucky has the second-highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 9.2 percent of the state’s private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 848 international employers have operations in Kentucky. Of those, companies from Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom support the most FDI jobs in the state, respectively.
3. Michigan has the third-highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 9.0 percent of its private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 1,396 international employers have operations in Michigan. Of those, companies from Germany, the Netherlands and Japan support the most FDI jobs in the state.
4. Delaware has the fourth-highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.9 percent of its private-sector jobs supported by international companies. More than 553 international employers have operations in Delaware. Of those, companies from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany support the most FDI jobs in the state.
5. New Jersey has the fifth-highest concentration of FDI jobs, with 8.5 percent of its private-sector jobs supported by international companies. There are 1,463 international companies that have operations in New Jersey, with businesses from France, the United Kingdom and Switzerland supporting the most FDI jobs in the state.