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Featured Headlines
Export figures indicate north state recovering faster than south A sliver of hope could be found among otherwise bleak state trade figures released Friday: Northern California may be emerging from the recession faster than Southern California. Sacramento Bee, October 10, 2009
Taiwan, China negotiators plan meeting in December Top negotiators from Taiwan and China are planning a meeting in the second half of December in the island to further boost trade, Taiwan officials said on Wednesday. Reuters India, October 14, 2009
Asia's Rich Lost More Than Most in 2008's Tumult After years of easy money, Asia's elite suffered worse financial pain last year than their counterparts elsewhere, according to a study released Tuesday. Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2009
The Small Business Intl 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:
AB 1276 (Skinner) International Trade This bill would prohibit the Governor from binding the State to an international trade agreement without specific legislation authorizing the action. VETOED -CalChamber Opposed
Gov. Schwarzenegger's Veto Message:
I am returning Assembly Bill 1276 without my signature. This bill places unnecessary hurdles on international trade and unnecessarily complicates processes. Additionally, the bill would defy current agreements with the World Trade Organization and existing trade agreements. The Governor's authority very clearly extends to both international and administrative matters, so he is well suited to represent the ideas of the California population on matters of trade. For these reasons I am unable to sign this bill. Sincerely, Arnold Schwarzenegger
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
CalChamber Public Affairs Council Retreat Oct. 28-30, 2009
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