Choose Pittsburgh for Foreign Investment in the U.S.

Pittsburgh is well connected through a network of highways, railways and an award-winning international airport. According to J.D. Power’s 2022 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is continuing to rapidly grow, with airlines choosing to invest in PIT due to rising passenger demand. With non-stop flights to 61 destinations, including international service to London, Reykjavik and Montreal, PIT is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to showcasing the Pittsburgh region’s exceptional connectivity.

Centrally located on the East Coast of America, this region is situated in close proximity to many major American markets, such as Chicago and New York, as well as Washington D.C., headquarters of the U.S. Federal Government. Pittsburgh possesses the critical infrastructure to leverage these strategic advantages to their fullest.

From three Class 1 railroads (CSX, Norfolk Southern and, Canada-based Bessemer & Lake Erie) to the second-largest and fourth-busiest inland port in the U.S., Port of Pittsburgh, and four major interstate highways (I-70, I-76, I-79 and I-80), this region’s infrastructure is a solid foundation for foreign companies looking to start or expand their U.S. investment.

Importantly, this region’s inland location is well-protected from natural disasters, offering both international and U.S. companies a sense of ease against unexpected expenditures. Ranked the 8th best city for climate change in the nation, Pittsburgh assures companies with foreign ownership that their supply chains will remain uninterrupted and their competitiveness will be upheld in case of an emergency.

The Pittsburgh region boasts a range of incentives that makes it an attractive destination for global FDI (foreign direct investment), including real estate tax abatement programs and new market tax credits. Notably, Pittsburgh has designated Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), a status that confers significant advantages. Through this classification from the U.S. government, businesses enjoy the deferral or even elimination of certain customs duties, along with enticing tax exemptions on imported raw materials, facilitating seamless international trade and bolstering cost-efficiency.

Pennsylvania — home to the largest number of overseas offices of any U.S. state — also plays a significant role in facilitating foreign business expansion and innovation throughout the Pittsburgh region. These robust state-owned financial programs are aimed at fostering business development across Pennsylvania. Programs encompass diverse regulatory incentives, including grants, low-interest loans, tax credits, abatements and access to venture capital.

If you’re seeking ways to enhance your international investment prospects, we encourage you to explore the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s comprehensive Funding & Program Finder. By providing these tax credits, Pennsylvania reduces the overall tax burden for businesses, freeing up valuable resources that can be redirected towards fostering innovation, expanding operations and ultimately driving success in the highly competitive global and U.S. business community.

The Pittsburgh region opens a world of possibilities in education and workforce development, catering to industries of all sizes that are eager to tap into a pool of top-tier talent. With an education system that fosters ambition and a promising future across 79 regional universities and postsecondary institutions, Pittsburgh is home to a continuous inflow of highly skilled professionals. Pittsburgh’s world-renowned educational institutions are experts in the development and productization of critical technologies, one of those being Carnegie Mellon University.

As a top 25 U.S. university, Carnegie Mellon is home to some of the nation’s best business, computer science and engineering programs, including the number one Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems, Quantitative Analysis and Computer Science programs in the U.S. With 4,800+ annual graduates in tech-related fields and 2,000+ tech-related students graduating annually with a master’s degree or higher. Pittsburgh’s universities create a rich pipeline of the most qualified and capable job seekers in tech and up-and-coming industries.

Whether your multinational company is looking to fill entry-level positions or find your organization’s next vice president, the Pittsburgh region is home to a young workforce — approximately 490,000 people, ages 25-39 — that is both highly educated and keen on enjoying the region’s plethora of advantages. Notably, a low cost of living allows individuals to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without sacrificing quality.

The region’s diverse arts and culture offerings enrich the lives of residents, while access to outdoor amenities allows them to revel in nature’s beauty and engage in recreational pursuits. Moreover, world-class healthcare facilities ensure that residents receive top-notch medical care, fostering a sense of security and well-being.