Ontario Signs Economic Cooperation Agreement With South Carolina
New Ontario South Carolina trade agreement targets energy, nuclear technology, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing growth
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Ontario has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with South Carolina aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, expanding trade and creating new opportunities in key sectors across both jurisdictions.
Premier Doug Ford and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed the agreement in Greenville, South Carolina, as Ontario continues its push to build deeper economic partnerships with U.S. states under its broader “Fortress North America” strategy.
The agreement focuses on collaboration in energy, nuclear technology, critical minerals, mobility, automotive and electric-vehicle manufacturing, aerospace, agri-food and life sciences.
“Ontario and South Carolina have a long and successful history of collaboration, based on shared democratic values, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to build for the future,” Ford said. “Today’s agreement will help create jobs and economic opportunity for workers and families on both sides of the border.”
Trade Relationship Worth $5.7 Billion
Ontario and South Carolina already share a significant cross-border trade relationship.
According to the Ontario government, total trade between Ontario and South Carolina was valued at more than $5.7 billion CAD in 2025, representing 57.6 per cent of Canada’s total trade with the state.
Trade between the two jurisdictions has grown from $4.7 billion CAD in 2018 to more than $5.7 billion CAD in 2025.
Governor McMaster said the agreement will build on an economic relationship that already benefits businesses and families in both regions.
“South Carolina has enjoyed a strong economic relationship with Ontario, benefiting businesses and families in both regions while contributing to the prosperity of both economies,” McMaster said.
Today, Governor @henrymcmaster and I signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation between Ontario and South Carolina, unlock new opportunities for workers and businesses, and leverage Ontario’s strengths in energy, nuclear technology, critical minerals and automotive… pic.twitter.com/B95pqFLdrC
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) June 21, 2026
Focus on Energy, Nuclear and Advanced Manufacturing
The MOU identifies several priority sectors where Ontario and South Carolina intend to expand cooperation.
Those sectors include energy, advanced nuclear technology, critical minerals, automotive and electric-vehicle manufacturing, aerospace, agri-food and life sciences.
Ontario officials say the agreement fits within the province’s broader plan to strengthen North American supply chains and support industries that are critical to economic security.
Ontario continues to position itself as a North American leader in nuclear energy, including through investments in small modular reactors, while also promoting its strengths in advanced manufacturing and critical minerals.
Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, said the agreement is intended to turn shared economic priorities into investment opportunities.
“Ontario and South Carolina’s trade partnership is rooted in a generational commitment to protect workers, foster economic growth and strengthen supply chains,” Fedeli said.
Part of Broader U.S. State Strategy
The South Carolina agreement follows Premier Ford’s recent mission to Washington, D.C. and the release of Ontario’s renewed North American growth plan, known as Building Fortress North America.
Since 2023, Ontario has signed economic cooperation agreements with eight U.S. states: Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania.
The province says the strategy is designed to support jobs, lower costs, strengthen supply chains and deepen economic ties with American partners.
Nearly one in five jobs in Ontario depends on trade, and more than 1.5 million Ontario jobs are supported by exports, making the province the most export-reliant jurisdiction in Canada.
Ontario Agent-General Jag Badwal said the South Carolina agreement reflects a decades-long relationship and creates new opportunities in industries that will shape future economic growth.
“Ontario and South Carolina are natural partners,” Badwal said.
For Ontario, the South Carolina MOU is another step in a state-by-state effort to protect trade relationships, strengthen North American competitiveness and position the province as a key partner in advanced manufacturing, energy and supply chain security.
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