Agreement targets growth in energy, manufacturing, critical minerals and advanced technologies
GREENVILLE, S.C. — Ontario Premier Doug Ford and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at deepening trade and economic cooperation between the two jurisdictions, marking the latest step in Ontario’s strategy to strengthen cross-border partnerships and advance its “Building Fortress North America” economic agenda.
The agreement, signed Saturday in Greenville, South Carolina, focuses on expanding collaboration across a range of strategic industries, including energy, nuclear technology, critical minerals, automotive and electric-vehicle manufacturing, aerospace, agri-food and life sciences.
The pact comes shortly after Premier Ford’s trade mission to Washington, D.C., where Ontario promoted its renewed vision for closer economic integration across North America through a fair free-trade framework designed to support job creation, lower costs and enhance continental security.
“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,” said Premier Ford. “Our government has a plan to build Fortress North America and support our American partners, using Ontario’s competitive advantage in affordable energy, advanced manufacturing and critical minerals. Today’s agreement will help create jobs and economic opportunity for workers and families on both sides of the border.”
Trade relationship already exceeds $5.7 billion annually
Ontario and South Carolina maintain a significant commercial relationship. According to the Ontario government, bilateral trade between the two jurisdictions surpassed $5.7 billion (CAD) in 2025, representing 57.6 per cent of Canada’s total trade with South Carolina.
Officials say the new agreement is intended to strengthen that relationship by encouraging cross-border investment, enhancing business partnerships and creating new economic opportunities for companies and workers 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,” said Governor McMaster. “This agreement will build on that momentum by strengthening trade and investment ties and creating new opportunities in industries that are critical to our continued success.”
Trade between Ontario and South Carolina has grown steadily over the past several years, increasing from $4.7 billion (CAD) in 2018 to more than $5.7 billion (CAD) in 2025.
Focus on strategic sectors and energy security
A key component of the agreement is expanded cooperation in sectors considered essential to long-term economic competitiveness and supply-chain resilience.
Among those areas is nuclear energy, where Ontario has been investing heavily in new generation capacity. The province is currently advancing projects that include the development of what it describes as the first small modular reactors in the G7.
Provincial officials view the agreement as an opportunity to leverage complementary strengths between Ontario and South Carolina while supporting broader North American industrial and energy goals.
“Ontario and South Carolina’s trade partnership is rooted in a generational commitment to protect workers, foster economic growth and strengthen supply chains,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Today’s agreement intends to translate these shared values into shared successes, fortifying our government’s plan to build Fortress North America while creating strategic pathways for investment in sectors of critical importance to both our economies.”
Part of broader North American economic strategy
The agreement with South Carolina is the latest in a series of economic partnerships Ontario has pursued with U.S. states as part of its effort to strengthen trade relationships and attract investment.
Since 2023, Ontario has signed eight similar economic cooperation agreements with Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. Provincial officials say these partnerships are intended to help make Ontario one of the most competitive and resilient economies in the G7 while reinforcing economic ties across North America.
Ontario’s broader “Building Fortress North America: Ontario’s North American Growth Plan” promotes deeper collaboration among Canada, the United States and Mexico. The province argues that stronger continental integration could unlock billions of dollars in investment, support job creation, reduce living costs and strengthen economic and national security.
Nearly one in five jobs in Ontario depends on trade, with more than 1.5 million positions supported by exports, making the province among the most trade-dependent economies in Canada.
Business leaders highlight long-term opportunities
Officials representing both jurisdictions said the agreement reflects years of relationship-building and is expected to create opportunities across several high-growth industries.
“Ontario and South Carolina are natural partners, and this agreement is the culmination of a multi-year effort that deepens a relationship spanning decades and opens new doors across sectors that will shape tomorrow’s economy. Together, we’re strengthening North America’s competitiveness and laying the foundation for shared growth and prosperity for years to come.”
- Jag Badwal, Ontario Agent-General
“South Carolina and Ontario each bring distinct, complementary strengths to this partnership that spans automotive, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and life sciences industries. This agreement is set to drive economic growth in both regions and create new opportunities for investment for generations to come.”
- Harry M. Lightsey III, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce
The newly signed MOU is expected to serve as a framework for future collaboration, with both governments seeking to expand trade, encourage investment and strengthen economic ties between Ontario and South Carolina in the years ahead.