State Header Image

Rhode Island

Overview

Rhode Island is located in New England. Providence is the capital and the largest city. In correspondence with it being the smallest state in the US, Rhode Island has 1.11 million people, making it the 44th most populous state. Rhode Island's GDP in 2025 was $83,956,000,000.

Key industries include life sciences, IT, defense and shipbuilding, business services, manufacturing, hospitality, and offshore wind. The marine, materials and machinery industry in Rhode Island has an 86% higher concentration than the national average. Also higher than the national average is the state's advanced business services sector, which continues to form a primary backbone for corporate operations. Rhode Island is home to many major headquarters, such as CVS, Textron, Amica, Hasbro, and Citizens Bank. Fidelity, IGT, and corporate entities like Bally's have major employment hubs and branch locations in the state as well.

Rhode Island’s economic ties with Qatar focus significantly on commercial aviation infrastructure, regional manufacturing networks, and targeted educational funding. Rhode Island’s primary industrial exports, such as chemical products and primary metal components, contribute to the regional supply chain supporting Qatar’s vast infrastructure and aviation demands. On the educational front, institutions like Brown University in Providence have drawn attention for hosting curricula, such as the Choices Program, which have historically received funding through the Qatar Foundation International.

Rhode Island's corporate income tax is a flat 7%. The entire state of Rhode Island is designated as a foreign trade zone, which includes three distinct magnet sites located at ProvPort in Providence, Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, and near the Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick. Some of its various state economic incentive programs include the Non-Traditional Apprenticeship Incentive Program, the Small Business Capital Investment Tax Incentives, and the Slater Technology Fund.