Make your
business global.

An Illinois location helps companies efficiently move people and products throughout North America and the world. With more than 2,600 foreign-owned companies employing more than 552,000 Illinoisans, the state's central location and talented workforce propel Illinois to the global stage.

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Foreign Direct Investment

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Assets to Support International Companies

Global Connectivity

Strategically located in the center of the United States, Illinois’ world-class infrastructure allows international companies to access their customers and operations seamlessly. The state’s 19 port districts offer companies direct links to the Atlantic Ocean, Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico. Illinois is also the only state where all Class I railroads meet in two locations. A leading global gateway, Chicago’s O’Hare is the #1 most connected airport in the U.S. and top 10 in the world. From Illinois, you can reach 86 percent of the continental U.S. within a two-day truck drive.

A Robust International Community

In Illinois, companies will find a supportive and engaged international business community. The state's international environment features consulates, consulates general, and honorary consulates from more than 80 countries that help facilitate global firm operations. Furthermore, the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment maintains six regional international offices in Europe, the Middle East, Canada, China, Mexico, and Japan to support global expansion.

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A Robust International Community

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Top Foreign Firms in Illinois

Top Internationally-Owned Firms in Illinois

  • Compass Group
    • United Kingdom
  • Otto Krahn Group
    • Germany
  • Canadian National Railway
    • Canada
  • Swiss Steel Group
    • Switzerland
  • Schneider Electric
    • France
  • Bank of Montreal
    • Canada
  • BP
    • United Kingdom

Key Data

  • 4th in the nation for number of employees supported by foreign owned U.S. subsidiaries.
  • Largest exporting state in Midwest, 5th in the U.S, with exports valued at over $78B in 2022.
  • Illinois foreign direct investments total over $113B, making IL the 5th largest source for FDI in the U.S.
  • 14% of Illinoisans are born outside the U.S.,
  • Illinois ranks 3rd in the number of jobs supported by exports nationally, with over 266.2K attributable jobs.
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