Governor releases survey of Illinois’ foreign trade partners

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration has done a survey of Illinois’ ten largest foreign trading partners and their assessment of the state’s ability to attract international investment.

The administration says the countries say Illinois is seen as having high taxes, outside Chicago isn’t as competitive as neighboring states and has high union costs. On the positive side, the officials said Illinois has many well-regarded universities that attract college students.

The Rauner administration released the survey Tuesday. But the administration did not include the identities of the nations, saying they were redacted to protect confidentiality.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity survey says the nations surveyed have invested tens of billions of dollars in the U.S. and are in a “unique” position to critique Illinois.

Gov. Rauner releases survey of Illinois’ foreign trade partners