Competing Globally, Growing Locally

Louisiana has always helped fuel, feed and supply the world.

From energy and agricultural products to manufactured goods and industrial materials, the state’s economy has connected Louisiana to global markets for generations. Today, that connection is accelerating, bringing international investment to communities across the state and opening new markets for local businesses.

That is where global investment meets local opportunity.

Across Louisiana, that opportunity is taking shape through major projects, supplier partnerships and new pathways for local businesses to reach customers around the world.

Built for Global Commerce

Louisiana’s trade and logistics network helps make the state a global gateway few states can match.

For decades, the state has been a national leader in exports, moving products, commodities and industrial output to markets around the world. That strength is measurable:

• Top 2 for foreign direct investment per capita for the past 20 years (Financial Times)
• No. 4 nationally in value of exports (U.S. Census – USA Trade)
• Five of the top 15 U.S. ports by tonnage located in Louisiana (U.S. Dept. of Transportation)

Those numbers reflect an economy built for international commerce. Louisiana’s port network connects companies to the Mississippi River, the Gulf of America and global shipping lanes, while the state’s broader logistics system links production sites to markets across the U.S. and abroad.

That access matters because Louisiana’s core industries are already embedded in the supply chains that move the global economy. From energy and process industries to agriculture and logistics, companies operating here are part of a system built to produce, move and deliver at scale.

A Destination for Global Investment

The same strengths that move Louisiana products to the world are also bringing global companies to Louisiana.

Nearly 5% of all U.S. foreign direct investment is located in Louisiana, a signal of long-term confidence from companies headquartered around the world.

That confidence is visible across industries and across different stages of investment. Australia-based Woodside Energy is advancing its $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project, the largest foreign direct investment in state history. South Korea-based Hyundai is investing $5.8 billion in its first U.S. low-carbon steel mill, adding a major global manufacturer to the state’s industrial economy. Chile-based Aclara Resources is developing a $277 million heavy rare earth separation facility, connecting Louisiana to a critical global supply chain.

Louisiana is also seeing global companies build on long-standing operations in the state. Japan-based Shintech is investing $3.4 billion to expand PVC production, continuing a 25-year track record of growth in Louisiana that includes seven major projects totaling $9 billion. France-based Air Liquide is investing $350 million to expand industrial gas infrastructure along the Mississippi River, supporting continued industrial growth across one of the nation’s most important manufacturing corridors.

These projects highlight the range of international investment taking shape in Louisiana, from LNG and chemicals to steel, critical materials and industrial infrastructure. Some represent new global commitments to Louisiana. Others are expansions by companies that have been growing in the state for decades. Collectively, they show why global companies continue to choose Louisiana: the state offers the infrastructure, generational workforce and industrial base required to support investment at scale.

Where Global Investment Meets Local Opportunity

Those investments create impact well beyond the project site.

They generate demand for Louisiana suppliers, contractors, engineers, manufacturers, service providers and skilled workers. When those businesses are connected to the work, more of the value created by global investment stays in the state.

The Louisiana LNG project shows how that happens. As part of the project, Woodside Energy and its contractors have committed more than $1 billion to Louisiana suppliers, including a contract valued at more than $300 million awarded to Louisiana-based C&C Marine and Repair for the construction of four tugboats in Plaquemines Parish.

That kind of local participation strengthens Louisiana businesses while expanding the supplier networks needed to support major projects across the state.

Through Source Louisiana, companies can highlight their services, certifications and capacity, making it easier for prime contractors and project teams to find qualified local partners. The platform helps position Louisiana businesses earlier in the process, giving them a clearer path to compete as major projects move forward.

Louisiana businesses are also pursuing customers beyond U.S. borders. Through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), small businesses can access support to generate new export revenue and create or retain jobs tied to sales in foreign markets.

As international investment grows and trade expands, Louisiana’s goal is not only to bring global projects to the state. It is to make sure Louisiana businesses are part of the work those projects create.

Building What Comes Next

Major projects are engaging local suppliers, trade programs are opening new markets and companies across Louisiana are becoming part of opportunities that extend far beyond state lines. As international companies invest in Louisiana and local businesses reach new markets, the state is strengthening the connections that turn global momentum into local growth.

Louisiana’s global connections are no longer just moving products to the world. They are bringing opportunity home.