International

Some International Companies in Chicago

Chicago has long been a hub of international business activity, home to well over 1,500 foreign-based companies, and with more than $40 billion in foreign direct investment, the city has recognized as having a Top Foreign Direct Investment Strategy among major cities around the world.

Chicago’s robust international business resources include 83 Consulates/Consuls General, more than 40 international/ethnic Chambers of Commerce, and over 90 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 4,100 locations in 170 countries—and it is easier than ever to expand those networks with 1,400 daily departures from Chicago to more than 200 cities worldwide. In 2011, Chicago was ranked the 10th most visited city in the U.S. by overseas travelers with an estimated 1,134,000 overseas visitors (excluding Canada and Mexico).

International Trade

Total trade in the Chicago area has increased from $154 billion in 2008 to $188 billion in 2012. Global exports, led by medical & optical instruments, industrial machinery, and pharmaceutical products, totaled $38 billion, while imports including electric machinery, industrial machinery, and mineral fuel totaled $150 billion.

Major trade partners include:

China - $55.5 billion in total trade (2012)
Canada - $23.2 billion
Japan - $18.0 billion
Germany - $11.1 billion
Korea - $7.2 billion

International Facts

Information about Chicago’s business connections with various countries:

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 83 Consulates & Consuls General, the city is one of the fastest-growing consular hubs in the nation. There are more than 90 international trade and investment organizations and over 40 international/ethnic Chambers of Commerce in addition to the Consulates. Read on…