North Carolina maintains a highly lucrative economic relationship with Qatar, primarily anchored by massive aviation and manufacturing partnerships. In May 2025, Qatar Airways placed a historic order with GE Aerospace for 400 widebody aircraft engines, a major portion of which are manufactured and assembled by nearly 2,000 workers across North Carolina facilities in Wilmington, Asheville, Durham, and West Jefferson. Additionally, the state has actively leveraged its robust aerospace and defense sectors to expand direct international trade, contributing to the broader $1.2 billion in annual goods exported from North Carolina to the Middle East region.
