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Next Trade Update
will be Tuesday, January 26th Featured Headlines
Calif. exports in November post gain
California exports in November posted the first year-to-year gain since October 2008, according to statistics released today by the University of California Center Sacramento. Sacramento Bee, January 12, 2010
Wave of Imports Lifts Ports
Imports at the nation's trade gateways -- including the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach -- appear to have ended their long decline and are poised for a strong recovery, according to preliminary data released Monday. Los Angeles Times, January 12, 2010
The United States intends to enter into negotiations on a TPP trade agreement with the objective of shaping a high-standard, broad-based regional agreement. USTR is seeking public comments on all elements of the agreement in order to develop
U.S. negotiating positions.
The “Small Business Int’l Trade Enhancements Act of 2009” (S. 1196 – Senator Mary L. Landrieu D-LA),which would increase the total amount of available trade financing, adjust collateral requirements, and encourage better collaboration on small business export assistance among federal government agencies.
The “Small Business Export Opportunity Act of 2009” (S. 1208 – Senator Olympia Snowe R-ME ) , which would create a new Office of Small business Export Development and Promotion at the Small Business Administration. It would also increase the maximum export loan amount and create a grant program that matches funds for expenses incurred by small businesses that are actively working to start or expand export activities.
The “Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (TRADE) Act” (H.R. 3012 - Congressman Mike Michaud D-ME), which would generate additional bureaucratic reporting requirements relating to international trade agreements on top of those that already exist, was introduced in the House on June 24, 2009. This legislation would place new roadblocks to future trade agreements intended to lower foreign taxes on U.S. exports and require the renegotiation of existing trade agreements. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is expected to introduce companion legislation in the Senate in July.
International Tax Proposal The proposal would raise taxes on U.S. companies doing business overseas. The limitation or repeal of deferral, as proposed by the Obama administration, would impose a unilateral tax on the foreign earnings of American companies, upsetting the competitive balance between U.S. and foreign companies. This will result in a loss of jobs for Americans and serious negative impacts on the U.S. economy. Oppose.
The following bills are related to international trade and have been introduced in the California State Legislature in the 2009-2010 Legislative Session.
Any CalChamber position is noted on the CalChamber Legislative website:
SB 657 (Steinberg) Human Trafficking
This bill would require businesses to actively engage to eliminate human trafficking from the supply chain down to raw materials.
California Coalition For Free Trade
The CalChamber Council for International Trade (CIT) is urging members of the business community to join(click here to download membership form) its coalition working to secure congressional approval of the free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. Companies .or associations that join the California Coalition for Free Trade will be included on the rapidly growing list of FTA supporters. There is no cost to join the coalition, which will keep members apprised of its activities and how to be supportive of the FTAs. For more information on the FTAs or to join the coalition, visit
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