Gov. Spencer Cox is leading a delegation of more than 35 Utah businesses and organizations on a Canadian trade mission to Montréal, Québec, Toronto, and Ontario from April 5-11, 2025. The mission aims to strengthen economic ties in key sectors, including critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and fintech. The visit builds on Utah’s long-standing economic relationship with Canada, and World Trade Center Utah’s Canada business trip last spring. In anticipation of the trade mission, Utah hosted Sylvain Fabi, consul general of Canada in Denver, for a discussion on economic opportunities between Utah and Canada.
Amid shifting trade dynamics, Canada remains one of Utah’s closest and most valuable trading partners, ranked as its second-largest export market with $1.7 billion annually. In critical minerals, for example, Montréal’s 5N Plus Inc. has a strong strategic partnership with Rio Tinto Kennecott’s copper operation outside of Salt Lake City. Similarly, Utah-based bio-tech company Recursion has an office in Toronto and collaborates with the Mila Institute on AI research.
While in Canada, the delegation aims to strengthen Utah’s access to critical minerals by engaging with mining officials and associations to boost extraction, processing, and services. They will also collaborate with AI experts to apply advanced AI solutions in life sciences and fintech, driving innovation while ensuring a secure and effective policy environment.
Gov. Cox’s 2024 trade mission to Japan and South Korea generated over $76.7 million in potential deals. The delegation engaged in 119 industry discussions with major financial institutions, aerospace and defense companies, and life sciences organizations, strengthening ties and opening doors for future partnerships. These successful outcomes highlight Utah’s global influence and competitiveness in international business, significantly expanding the state’s global economic footprint.
Organized by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah, international trade missions and shows reinforce Utah’s commitment to foster global partnerships and drive economic prosperity.