Idaho: “The Door to US Business” by Idaho Sen. Kelly Anthon

About Kelly Anthon: Senator Kelly Anthon is the Republican Party Leader for the Idaho House. He has many years of experience attracting business from Japan. In this talk, he discusses Idaho’s current trade situation and what makes Idaho attractive for business.

Idaho Facts

  • State population: Approximately 1.8 million
  • Area: Approximately 220,000 km.
  • State capital: Boise
  • Gross domestic product: Approximately 900 billion yen

Idaho Major Industry

Idaho, of course, is the largest potato producer in the United States, with Japan being its 5th export destination. 

Manufacturing IndustryFood, plastic, microchip, softwareFood, plastic, microchip, software

In Idaho, the food industry and large-scale manufacturing industry have been developing in recent years. The tourism industry, which makes the most of the rich nature, is also important.

Exports to Japan

The export value is about 20 billion yen — exports electrical and industrial products, food and agriculture, wood, paper, pulp, etc.

Imports from Japan

The import value is about 20 billion yen. Idaho imports electrical and industrial products, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, home, and outdoor products, wood, paper, pulp printing, etc.

Major Companies in Idaho

Hulett Packard, Micron, Albertsons (retail), Darigold (dairy), Agri Beef Co (livestock), Idaho Milk Products (dairy products), Cliff Bar & Company (nutrition bar, beverage), Chobani (yogurt dairy processing), McCain (frozen food, potato frozen processing), Glambia (sports nutrition, dairy products), Melaleuca (health food), Idaho National Laboratory (US Atomic Energy Research), Simplot (frozen food, potato frozen processing) ), Fabri-Kal (packaging), Scentsy (fragrance), etc.

Why invest in Idaho Now

The economic growth rate, employment growth rate per capita and work satisfaction (good living environment) are the highest in the United States. Boise has become one of the most populous cities in the United States in recent years, as it is becoming more popular as a travel and migration destination.

As a gateway to the western United States

Foreign direct investment is increasing due to the convenience of logistics and the state government’s business-friendly climate.

Logistical Advantages of Idaho

Advantage #1

Idaho is attractive as a gateway to the United States for Japanese businesses due to its low real estate prices and geographical advantage to the West Coast. The state will further strengthen its investment from overseas. 

Advantage #2

Several large, out-of-state markets are relatively close by, such as Portland, Oregon (890km or 1 driving day), Seattle, Washington (1,000km or 1.5 driving days), San Francisco, California (1,080km or 1.5 driving days). Within 13 hours of central Idaho, you can reach most major cities in the Western United States. 

If you’re looking for a location covering the entire Western United States with low-cost manufacturing capabilities and a well-developed transportation environment, Idaho makes financial sense as an industrial hub. Thanks to the history of potato transportation, the East Coast’s rail transportation route is also attractive.

Business Advantages

Idaho has a relatively small population, so it has the advantage that businesses can have close contact with government agencies. With the motto of supporting business, Idaho’s regulatory environment is one of the most flexible in the United States, with excellent tax rates and a robust system of subsidies that companies can tap. Two examples are the “Chance Fund” and “Trade Expansion Program”. 

Transcript of a speech by Idaho State Senator Kelley Anthon

Introductions

About Idaho

Idaho: The Front Door to Doing Business in the US

Idaho: A State Designed for Business

Grants for Japanese Companies Coming to Idaho

Summary

Japanese Stories

日本企業に熱視線を送るアメリカの州たち 貿易問題もなんのその

Hatsu Japan

Idaho Stories

Japanese company visits Magic Valley for possible business expansion

Boise office opens to facilitate trade between Idaho, Japan