A Discussion with Colin Bird, Consul General for Canada in Detroit

Episode 27:  Today, podcast producer Jim Ray interviews the Consul General for Canada in Detroit, Colin Bird.  He’s in town speaking with Kentucky businesses and government officials.  He’ll return for the upcoming Global Executive Forum, on September 23^rd, in Lexington.  Today, we’ll discuss the very significant trade relationship Kentucky has with Canada.  It might surprise you.

Meet Consul General Colin Bird

Colin is responsible for a regional area including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.  The role of a Consul General is to be the regional Canadian diplomat.  He functions as a regional ambassador.  Canada has multiple consuls general responsible for various regions, across the US.

The night before recording this episode, Colin gave a presentation in Louisville to the Rotary Club on the state of the US-Canadian relationship.  Colin is joined on this trip by Canadian trade diplomat, Jeff Burghardt.

Colin and his team support the interests of Canadian businesses that are interested in doing business in this region of the US.  They track approximately 100 Canadian businesses that have operations in Kentucky.  The team also helps Kentucky businesses interested in doing business with Canada.

How Much Business Does Kentucky Do with Canada?

According to recent figures, provided by the Consul General’s office, Kentucky exports $9.3billion in goods to Canada, annually.  This includes $5.4million in services.  This is more than Kentucky exports to its next 2 export markets, combined.  Kentucky imports $5.8billion in goods from Canada.

Colin points out that we are trading a significant level of “intermediate goods” that are used as inputs into final products that are built or assembled in our respective countries.  We typically receive finished goods from other global companies in China and Europe.  However, 70% of the trade between Canada and Kentucky are for intermediate goods.

Canada is the largest export market for the US, particularly with regard to Colin’s 4-state area of responsibility.  The US and Canada have been growing its mutual trade relationship since WWII.  Colin comments on how the recent tariff issues seems to be a significant change from that seamless, trade relationship.  The situation is impacting factors that have contributed to the long-existing relationship.  Both Kentucky and Canada have a strong Toyota presence.

Trade Diplomacy is the Mission

Colin is a trade diplomat.  Previously, he lead the economic and policy team at the embassy in Washington DC.  He was the senior trade official for the G7 and the G20.  His has been a career that’s highlighted many of the reasons the US-Canada trade relationship is special.

There is currently optimism that the current tension will level out and we’ll be able to recognize our mutual interest.

Colin was directly involved in the USMCA agreement negotiations.  The conversations behind the scenes tend to be extremely productive.  Kentucky’s own Kelly Craft was also involved.  She served as US Ambassador to Canada from 2017-2019 and was later confirmed as the US Ambassador to the United Nations.

While the negotiations began fairly at odds, the focus on critical supply chain integrity and external strategic threats (e.g. critical minerals), worked to bring the parties into alignment.  China was 10-15 years ahead on electric vehicles.  Having a strong, North American manufacturing capability and base became the imperative.  Five years ago, the USMCA was signed all three parties.

From Colin’s perspective, the investments made have begun to bear fruit.  Tariff policy is having an effect, but the advances in manufacturing have resulted in good paying jobs for all three constituents.

Interestingly, 70% of the feedstock going into the refineries in our region come from Canada, at a discounted price.  This helps to fuel manufacturing.

Kentucky Is an Important Market for Canada

There are multiple, Canadian sectors that benefit from exports to Kentucky.  Agriculture has become a significant sector resulting from direct investment from Canada.  There’s already a strong automotive parts trade between Canada and Kentucky.

Kentucky’s strategic location is extremely advantageous.  Having the UPS world hub in Louisville is a serious advantage.  Colin mentions the new Canadian bridge that will tie into I-75 out of Toronto.  It’ll include 6 new lanes and 35 customs booths.  It’s an investment in infrastructure that will yield a tremendous advantage in years to come.

Both Canada and Kentucky will soon have very large SK Blue Oval electric battery manufacturing facilities.  Kentucky’s advancement, according to Colin, is in large part due to the abundance of raw and processed minerals being imported from Canada.  One of Louisville’s Ford plants is changing over to produce more of the electric vehicles, while the Windsor Canada plant (across from Detroit) is building a new battery plant.

How Do We Enhance this Trade Relationship?

Infrastructure development will continue to be a key driver.  Colin also explains the impact of achieving a predictable trade environment between the US and Canada is an important concern from businesses on both sides of the border.

There is a wait and see attitude that is slowing or inhibiting some of the upcoming investment activities.  Businesses want to have a better feel for the playing field, so they can plan and commit to additional capital investment, to further support trade.

Concerns Regarding Border Security, Fentanyl and Immigration

Fentanyl has been a huge tragedy for both of our countries.  Canada and the US has done some significant work on this problem, especially with regard to the precursor chemicals coming in from Asia.  Colin points out that marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine are still trafficked in larger quantities than fentanyl, across the northern border.

There is currently more irregular immigration from the US into Canada, according to Colin.  However, illegal immigration from Canada to the US is down 97% in the past year.  Canada is getting ready to hand over a very 168 acre border and customs facility complex to the US, entirely finance by Canadian taxpayers.  It’s important to both countries to have a very successful board security operation to support the large volume of trade between our respective countries.

Closing Thoughts Regarding Competition from China

Canada and the US have an excellent dialog related to areas of strategic, supply chain vulnerabilities.  This is critically important in terms of working together to deal with Chinese trade competition.

The automobile sector is a prime example.  Both the US and Canada place a 100% tariff on electric vehicles from China.  There were also 25% duties on Chinese steel and aluminum.  “We are able to respond in a coordinated way to address distortions and unfair trade practices.  A coordinated response, as allies, is the key to an effective response.”

A Final Message for Kentucky Businesses

Colin firmly believes we are stronger together.  Canada and Kentucky have a long and successful history of mutual benefit from the established trade relationship.  There are many ties between us.  The objective is to not lose sight on what brings us together.

Outside of Colin’s Role as a Trade Diplomat

Jim poses a final question to Colin.  Outside of his role as Consul General and as a trade diplomat, what does he enjoy doing?  He has 2 kids.  Being a diplomat offers terrific opportunities for travel and unique experiences.  For him and the rest of us, at the end of the day, it’s about family.

To Learn More: 

Website:  https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/us-eu/detroit.aspx?lang=eng

 

Upcoming WTCKY EVENTS:

• 09/23/25 – Global Executive Forum, Kentucky-Canada Trade Relationship
• 10/11-19/25 – Dubai Trade Mission
• 11/05/25 – Tariff Strategies for Your Global Supply Chain
• 11/11-13/25 – International Trade Certification Program

 

The next episode of our podcast will launch on 10/13/25.  Thank you for listening.  Be sure to follow This Global Trade Adventure on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.WTCKY.com/podcast.

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