Which Countries Have Lowest Business Costs?
According to the 2016 Competitive Alternatives report from KPMG, the United States has dropped to 10th place for lowest business costs — the only time the U.S. has ever placed this low in Competitive Alternatives rankings.
Q2 2016
Two other NAFTA members rank first and second. As the only high-growth (emerging) country included in the study, Mexico represents the lowest-cost country examined. In 2016, Mexico’s business cost advantage over the U.S. stands at 22.5 percent, higher than at any point in this decade. And Canada maintains its second place rank among the 10 countries, with business costs 14.6 percent below the U.S.
Area Development’s ranking of the site selection factors from its 2015 Annual Corporate Survey is also highlighted in the Competitive Alternatives report. It’s noted that nearly half of the ranked site selection factors have direct implications on the cost of business, including labor costs, corporate tax rates as well as tax exemptions and state and local incentives, available land and buildings, energy availability and costs, and inbound/outbound shipping costs.
Project Announcements
Archer Plans Vernon, California, Production Operations
05/12/2025
United Arab Emirates-Based Hotpack Plans Edison, New Jersey, Manufacturing Operations
05/12/2025
SSAB Expands Axis, Alabama, Production Operations
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Carnival Corporation Plans Miami, Florida, Headquarters Operations
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Merck Animal Health Expands De Soto, Kansas, Manufacturing Operations
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Oxford Technologies Plans Bay County, Florida, Manufacturing Operations
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