International Gateway

Michigan is a hotbed for global trade, exporting $59.8 billion worth of goods worldwide in 2017. Our shared border with Canada makes southeast Michigan an especially attractive location for companies seeking to expand their global footprint. Canada is Michigan’s largest trading partner with $24.8 billion in exports.

The Detroit Aerotropolis region places companies in close proximity to the Detroit-Windsor border crossing. The Ambassador Bridge is the second busiest border crossing in North America, providing a suspension bridge and a rail tunnel to Canada. This international crossing connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario. Over 2.5 million commercial vehicles cross the Ambassador Bridge each year.

Less than two hours north of the Aerotropolis is the Bluewater Bridge, another major border crossing to Canada. This twin-span bridge connects Port Huron, Michigan with Point Edward, Ontario. Over 1.6 million commercial vehicles cross the Bluewater Bridge each year.

Foreign Trade Zones

Companies seeking to locate in the Detroit Aerotropolis region can boost their global reach and increase operational efficiency through the Foreign-Trade Zone program. A Foreign-Trade Zone is a secure geographic area that is under the supervision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Utilizing a Foreign-Trade Zone allows companies to avoid paying duties on raw materials and finished products shipped in or out of the United States.

The Greater Detroit Foreign-Trade Zone (GDFTZ) is a key partner for global companies that operate in the Aerotropolis region. It is a non-profit Michigan corporation that oversees the Foreign-Trade Zone program in our region.