Chicago has long been a hub of international business activity, home to over 1,500 foreign-based companies and, with more than $40 billion in foreign direct investment, the #1 Top Foreign Direct Investment Strategy among major cities around the world. The city’s robust international business resources include 79 Consulates/Consuls General, more than 30 international Chambers of Commerce, and over 100 foreign-based trade organizations. Chicago’s 28 international sister cities also help to strengthen and expand the city’s global partnerships.
Global Gateway
Chicago-based companies have a strong presence abroad, with over 4,500 locations in more than 150 countries—and it is easier than ever to expand those networks with 2,900 daily non-stop or direct flights from Chicago to more than 220 cities worldwide. More than one in four travelers to Chicago are business travelers (nearly 12 million total in 2008).
International Trade
Total trade in the Chicago area has nearly doubled over the past five years, from $80 billion in 2003 to over $150 billion in 2008. Global exports, led by industrial machinery, optical & medical instruments, and electric machinery, totaled $37 billion, while imports including electric machinery, mineral fuel and industrial machinery, and pharmaceutical products totaled $117 billion.
Major trade partners include:
- China - $33.5 billion in total trade (2008)
- Canada - $23.4 billion
- Japan - $16.1 billion
- Germany - $10.2 billion
- Korea - $8.8 billion
International Facts
Information about Chicago’s business connections with various countries:
Australia | Canada | China | France | Germany | Italy | Japan |
Korea | Switzerland | The Netherlands | United Kingdom
Specialized Services
Businesses in the Chicago area benefit greatly from a sizable and concentrated pool of specialized services. Prominent companies in advertising, management consulting, finance, human resources, accounting, law and logistics all serve to promote businesses in Chicago and around the world. Whether your business operates on a local, national or global scale, everyone benefits.
Consulates and International Offices
Chicago has a significant number of international consulates, and trade & investment offices. In fact, with 79 Consulates & Consuls General, the city is one of the fastest-growing consular hubs in the nation. There are more than 100 foreign-based trade and investment organizations and over 30 international Chambers of Commerce in addition to the Consulates. Read on…
