Gov. Spencer Cox is leading a delegation of 40 Utah businesses and organizations on a trade mission to Montréal, Québec, and Toronto, Ontario, from April 5–11. The delegation will focus on deepening partnerships in a few of Utah’s key sectors, including critical minerals, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy. The visit builds on Utah’s long-standing economic relationship with Canada, and World Trade Center Utah’s Canada business trip last spring.
As Utah’s second-largest direct export market, Canada is one of the state’s most valuable trade partners, with $1.7 billion in annual exports. The partnership is reflected across several industries. For example, Montréal’s 5N Plus Inc. collaborates with Rio Tinto Kennecott’s copper operation on critical minerals, while Utah-based biotech company Recursion’s Toronto office collaborates with the Mila Institute in Québec on AI research.
The trade mission includes three focused tracks. To further AI innovation while ensuring a secure and effective policy environment, the delegation will connect with experts about advanced AI solutions in life sciences and fintech. The critical minerals track will meet with mining officials and associations to strengthen Utah’s access through extraction, processing, and services. The policy track will engage with key regulatory challenges surrounding critical minerals and artificial intelligence and convene with energy officials and industry leaders to explore advancements in nuclear energy regulation and technology.
Trade missions establish long-term opportunities for Utah businesses in key markets and deepen mutual commitments for continued collaboration. Gov. Cox’s 2024 trade mission to Japan and South Korea generated over $76.7 million in potential deals for participating Utah businesses. The delegation met with major financial institutions and strengthened ties with leaders in aerospace and defense and life sciences to open doors for future partnerships.
Organized by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah, international trade missions and shows reinforce Utah’s commitment to foster global partnerships and drive economic prosperity.
