International Businesses

Many locally grown Tacoma-Pierce County businesses are plugged into the global economy. In fact, Washington is the most trade-reliant state in the U.S., with approximately 40% of all jobs tied to international commerce. Organizations like the World Trade Center Tacoma, Washington State Department of Commerce and U.S. Commercial Service provide a diverse range of services and networks to help local businesses access key international markets in Asia, Europe and beyond.

Given our region’s strategic location and highly skilled workforce, it’s no wonder that foreign companies choose to set up operations in Tacoma-Pierce County. We have a business-friendly atmosphere that welcomes investment from all sources. Here, the Washington State Department of Commerce works to promote foreign investment, while InvestPierceCounty.com showcases all the available properties in our region. Notable international companies in Tacoma-Pierce County include NewCold, Mitsui-Soko, Sekisui Aerospace and Yusen Logistics.

Tacoma-Pierce County has the transportation infrastructure to move products and people to their destinations quickly and efficiently. Our region is well connected by road, rail, air and water. Tacoma-Pierce County features major highways like I-90 and I-5. Class 1 rail via BNSF & Union Pacific, domestic & short haul service and Northwest container services are all available. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers direct flights to the Bay Area, Boston, New York, Toronto and Washington, as well as international hubs like Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo. And the Northwest Seaport Alliance and Port of Tacoma both offer close proximity to Asia and capabilities to meet the need of Pacific Rim trade.