Manufacturing

PHOENIX, AZ (March 5, 2026) – Amid increased international investment and to further strengthen economic and trade ties between Arizona and Japan, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), and Arizona State University (ASU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), during a signing ceremony yesterday on March 4, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. Attendees included a visiting delegation of more than 50 Japanese government, business, academia, and community leaders, as well as Arizona leaders. The MOU aims to accelerate collaboration between Arizona and Japan in key industrial sectors such as semiconductors, R&D, and workforce development. 

PHOENIX, AZ (February 24, 2026) – Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%. Key trade highlights include: Taiwan surpassed Canada and China to become Arizona’s second-largest trading partner (behind Mexico), with more than $21.2 billion in total trade and Arizona leads the nation in international investment, with more than $195.7 billion announced since 2020.