The Pacific Northwest Global Trade Hub
1Overview
Pacific Northwest Ports — Seaports and airports in Washington and Oregon form the backbone of the region's global trade network.
By leveraging natural geographic advantages, an international posture, and a cutting-edge, diversified economy, the Pacific Northwest has become a leading player in global trade. Jobs and economic growth in both Oregon and Washington are highly dependent on the goods and services, foreign direct investment, imports, and exports that constitute international trade.
"Jobs and economic growth in both Oregon and Washington are highly dependent on the goods and services, foreign direct investment, imports, and exports that constitute international trade."
Often seen exclusively as a "gateway to Asia," exports from the region reach markets throughout the world, bolstering the Pacific Northwest's position as a global trade hub. The clear benefits international engagement has on both states suggest that more could be done to partner on emerging trade issues in a way that enables more opportunities for the region.
Pacific Northwest vs. Peer States — Washington exported $106.5B (goods & services, 2018) supporting 900,000 net jobs; Oregon exported $31.3B supporting 500,000 jobs. The PNW's trade mix — aircraft, semiconductors, agriculture — is distinct from peer states like California ($288.1B) and New York ($146.8B).
2Key Industries
Agriculture: A Growing Export Engine
Increases in agricultural exports in recent years have driven a large share of trade growth in both Washington and Oregon. The Pacific Northwest's fertile valleys and favorable climate position it as one of America's most productive agricultural export regions, supplying grains, tree fruits, seafood, and specialty crops to markets across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Manufacturing: Transportation Equipment & Beyond
The region also hosts robust manufacturing sectors that produce transportation equipment, heavy machinery, and electronics. Continuing to leverage shared infrastructure to strengthen exports — whether pass-through or homegrown — can provide a growing source of high-paying jobs and increase the prominence of the Pacific Northwest as a manufacturing and agricultural export powerhouse on par with similarly composed states in the Midwest.
"Continuing to leverage shared infrastructure to strengthen exports, whether pass-through or homegrown, can provide a growing source of high-paying jobs."
Washington State Export Profile — Transportation equipment dominates at $44.7B, while agricultural products ($12.7B), computers and electronics ($12.0B), and machinery ($6.3B) round out the top categories. China leads export destinations at $20.6B, followed by Canada ($12.5B) and Japan ($8.3B).
3Ports & Infrastructure
The region's ports — both airports and seaports — provide employment opportunities and crucial access to global markets. Given the extensive infrastructure that links both Oregon and Washington to each other and to the rest of the country, approaching infrastructure investment through a joint perspective can help bolster trade growth and resilience.
From the Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance to Portland's deepwater terminals and regional airports serving air cargo, the Pacific Northwest's logistics network is one of America's most strategic trade gateways. Shared investment in this network multiplies its impact across both states.
The I-5 & Rail Corridor — Washington and Oregon are connected to major interior markets — from Boise and Salt Lake City to Denver, Chicago, and Minneapolis — via Interstate 5 and an extensive rail network, enabling efficient distribution of Pacific Northwest exports and imports throughout North America.
Supply Chain Resilience
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions exposed vulnerabilities in global trade networks. Investing in regional port capacity, intermodal connectivity, and supply chain redundancy is essential to maintaining the Pacific Northwest's competitive position as a trade gateway.
4Digital Trade Opportunities
As technology helps drive the economic recovery for businesses large and small in the United States, high-tech businesses in Washington and Oregon can make meaningful contributions to this recovery. Expanding digital trade opportunities can help spur growth in high-value industries and presents an opportunity for more extensive collaboration with trading partners.
As the world continues to develop and hone its approach to digital trade, jurisdictions around the globe are considering the implementation of new barriers that threaten to stifle growth. Stakeholders in both states would benefit from addressing these barriers proactively.
Emerging Digital Trade Barriers
Global regulators are increasingly moving to restrict cross-border data flows, impose digital services taxes, and mandate data localization. For Washington and Oregon's technology and e-commerce sectors, these barriers pose a direct threat to market access and growth. WCIT advocates for international agreements that keep digital trade free and open.
Congressional Representation
Washington and Oregon have extensive representation on key Congressional Committees focused on digital trade issues. Stepped-up cooperation on digital commerce can further amplify the significant impact that the region's elected Representatives are making in this increasingly important policy area.
5Conclusion
The Pacific Northwest's natural advantages — its geography, its ports, its diversified agricultural and technology economy — make it uniquely positioned to serve as America's premier global trade hub. But sustaining and expanding that position requires active policy engagement.
This WCIT report calls for a joint Washington–Oregon approach to trade policy that addresses three priorities: strengthening shared infrastructure investment, expanding digital trade opportunities for high-tech industries, and ensuring environmental sustainability is embedded in trade frameworks. Together, these steps can secure the Pacific Northwest's economic future in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
WCIT is committed to advocating for the trade policies that keep Pacific Northwest businesses competitive, workers employed, and the region's export economy growing.