How does the Great Lakes make money?

The Great Lakes, a series of interconnected freshwater bodies, are not just a natural wonder but also a significant economic powerhouse. The region, which includes eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, supports a $6 trillion regional economy.

The Great Lakes region has always been a center for trade, thanks to its navigable terrain, waterways, and ports. It’s home to automobile and aerospace giants like Ford, GM, Chrysler, Bombardier, GE Aviation, and Magna International. But the region’s economic activities extend beyond manufacturing. Education and health, shipping and logistics, agriculture, mining and energy, tourism, and finance are some of the other major industries that generate business for the region.

The Great Lakes support more than 1.3 million jobs that generate $82 billion in wages annually. More than 1.5 million U.S. jobs are directly connected to the Great Lakes, generating $62 billion in wages annually. Recreation on the Great Lakes, including boating, hunting, and fishing, generates more than $52 billion annually for the region.

The region’s economy is highly integrated, with $278 billion in bilateral U.S.-Canadian trade each year. This is more than the entire region trades with countries like Mexico, China, UK, Germany, and Japan combined.

In conclusion, the Great Lakes are a significant economic engine, contributing to various sectors and supporting millions of jobs. The region’s economy is a testament to the power of natural resources when combined with human ingenuity and enterprise.