Parties Suspend East Coast/Gulf Ports Strike with Contract Extension to January 2025 |
Australia Consul General Highlights Strong California Links for Clean Energy Projects |
15th Annual Mexico Advocacy Day Highlights Sonora’s Potential as Clean Energy Hub Senior Vice President, International Susanne T. Stirling accepts the California Senate Resolution from Senator Steve Padilla (D-Chula Vista), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on California-Mexico Cooperation and Dialogue on behalf of CalChamber. The award was presented on August 6th, at the Sacramento Mexican Consulate Reception at the Leland Stanford Mansion. |
2023 California Japan Trade Mission – March 12-17, 2023
World Trade Month Underscores Link Between Economic Growth, Global Trade 2024 International Trade Forum: Speakers Highlight US-Taiwan Ties, Federal Trade Initiatives, US Economy |
Overview
California is the fifth largest economy in the world with a gross state product (GSP) of more than $3 trillion. International-related commerce (including exports and imports of goods and services, plus investments) accounts for approximately one-quarter of the state’s economy. Although trade is a nationally determined policy issue, its impact on California is immense. California exports to over 226 foreign markets.
The California Chamber of Commerce supports expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California products abroad, and elimination of disincentives that impede the international competitiveness of California business.
CalChamber International Trade Issues and Priorities
There are numerous trade issues that affect the United States and consequently, California. Each region and issue page gives an overview, and links to related organizations and documents. To view the trade issues, please click here.
CalChamber Outlines Trade Priorities for Congress, Federal Officials |
CalChamber Council for International Trade
CalChamber Council for International Trade hosts trade events, forums, and guests.
International Activities
Overview
Looking Out for Business
Through our lobbying team and committees, we monitor state and federal legislative issues, as well as multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Californians doing business abroad.
Making Connections
We work as a clearinghouse of information for international trade. We encourage our members to share their international expertise, while also bridging the gap between government agencies and private companies, here and abroad.
Getting Involved
We give you as many chances as possible to grow your international business. Each year, we sponsor/co-sponsor trade and investment missions, educational programs and conferences, as well as trade and catalog shows.
Trade Missions
CalChamber delegations have participated in the state’s trade and investment missions. Members and CalChamber officials often participate in trade events such as International Expos and the World Economic Forum. Board members and officials have accompanied six California Governors to various worldwide destinations, including Mexico City to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA.)
Lt. Governor Led Mission to Japan – March 2023
From March 12 – March 17, 2023 a delegation of California businesses and state agencies led by Lieutenant Governor Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis and Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom and Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, traveled to Tokyo and Osaka for a trade mission to advance business, collaboration and partnership between California and Japan.
The delegation was made up of 55 private sector leaders from the agriculture, airlines, energy, and clean-technology sectors, as well as approximately 20 representatives from an array of state agencies. There was an additional group of tourism companies and associations, as well – bringing the entire California delegation to 100.
Lt. Governor Led Mission to Mexico – October 2019
From October 1-4, 2019 a delegation of California business and state agencies led by Lieutenant Governor Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis traveled to Mexico City for a trade mission to advance business, collaboration and partnership between California and Mexico.
The delegation was made up of 20 private sector leaders from the agriculture, energy, and clean-technology sectors, as well as approximately 20 representatives from an array of state agencies. Visit the blog to learn more.
Gubernatorial Trade Mission to Mexico – July 2014
Visit the blog to learn more about this successful trade and investment mission led by Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., organized by the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Foundation for Commerce and Education, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with CalChamber.
Along with senior members of his administration and business delegates, Governor Brown traveled to Mexico City, the political capital and financial center of Mexico.
Gubernatorial Trade Mission to China – April 2013
The delegation traveled throughout China and attended the opening of the California Trade and Investment Office in Shanghai, California’s first official permanent presence in China in nearly a decade. With more investment deals from China than any other state, California is positioned to capture China’s growing foreign investment. Trade Mission Blog
Cuba Policy Trip
CalChamber Joins World Affairs Council on Cuba Policy Trip – April 2015
This nation-wide 20-member delegation met with high-ranking government officials, chatted with entrepreneurs in the emerging Cuban private sector, enjoyed the work of professional artists and musicians, heard from renowned historians and convened with diplomats and economists.
Awards
CalChamber Receives a California Senate Resolution During Their 15th Annual Mexico Advocacy Day
Senator Steve Padilla (D-Chula Vista), chair of the Senate Select Committee on California-Mexico Cooperation and Dialogue, presents a California Senate Resolution commending the California Chamber of Commerce for joining with the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento in celebrating the 15th Annual Mexico Advocacy Day. Accepting the resolution during an August 6 evening reception at the Leland Stanford Mansion hosted by the Mexican Consulate General is CalChamber Senior Vice President International Affairs Susanne T. Stirling.
CalChamber’s Susanne Stirling Is Sacramento County Woman of the Year
CalChamber Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling has been named Woman of the Year for Sacramento County by California Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa). The Senator recognized Stirling for her leadership and decades-long commitment to promoting economic development and cooperation between the state and other countries.“In many ways, California’s economy is tied to international markets, and Susanne brings a level of experience and knowledge that is critical as we successfully and safely reopen our state,” Senator Dodd said. “She has been an ambassador for international trade for many years and has continued to serve with distinction as we weathered this historic public health crisis. I’m proud to recognize her for her efforts to help our state’s business community.”
“I am deeply appreciative to Senator Dodd for this recognition,” Susanne Stirling said. “During this challenging time in our world with global-wide trade disruptions, my focus is to assist with the state’s economic recovery on behalf of the CalChamber through our international ties. International trade is a major part of the economic engine that benefits businesses, communities, consumers and our state’s prosperity.”
(CalChamber, March 25, 2021) Top Story
Trade Group Recognizes CalChamber’s Susanne Stirling as ‘Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade’
California Chamber of Commerce Vice President of International Affairs Susanne Stirling yesterday was presented with the “Outstanding Woman of the Year in International Trade” award by the Women in International Trade, Los Angeles (WIT-LA).
Stirling received the award during WIT-LA’s Global Trade Awards Gala in Manhattan Beach, which brought together 150 individuals from the international trade world to recognize and celebrate women who serve as role models and who have paved the way for others in expanding their own business. The Gala also promoted international trade by recognizing the impact it has on the growing economy and its importance to the Los Angeles area. (CalChamber, November 8, 2019)
CalChamber Receives President’s Export Award
The California Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious President’s “Excellence for Export Service Award,” the nation’s highest award to honor United States exporters.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke said that those honored at the November 2009 ceremony have “shown the foresight and ability to grow and prosper through a strong export strategy. Exporting U.S. manufactured goods and services plays an important role in rebuilding the American economy and creating jobs at home. With 95 percent of the world’s consumers living outside our borders, there is great potential to boost economic growth and create new jobs in America through exporting. Alert Article
CalChamber Receives Korean Presidential Citation
On December 6, 2012, the California Chamber of Commerce received the prestigious Presidential Citation from the government of the Republic of Korea for promoting U.S.-Korea trade and commercial relations, and specifically for contributing to the passage of the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The CalChamber was an early supporter of the U.S.-Korea FTA, the culmination of a five-year process from negotiations, to passage and implementation.
Recent News
CalChamber VP of International Affairs participated in the project/podcast Going Global to promote business between Israel and North America, specifically California.
Visit the podcast link starting at 27:25 to listen as Stirling shares important information for Israeli business people, especially those aiming to do business in California, as part of CalChamber’s ongoing work to promote collaborations and partnerships between California and Israel.
News and Publications
Resources
- Events
- Trading Partner Portals
- Trade Statistics
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Consular Corps Information Packet
- FAQs
- more …
International Contacts
- Global Contacts, Organizations and Associations
- Global Resources and Contacts
- Country Contacts in California
- Foreign Consulates in California (A-L)
- Foreign Consulates in California (M-W)
- Binational Chambers of Commerce in California
- U.S. Government
- California State Legislative Pictorial Roster
- California Congressional Delegation Pictorial Roster
- California Government
- more …
Councils
Coalitions
- *CalChamber California Coalition for Free Trade*
- Coalition for Generalized System of Preferences
- Federation of International Trade Associations
- U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB)
International Events
REBUILD UKRAINE 2024-Business in Ukraine and Poland
ReBuild Ukraine – California Pavilion
Energy, technology, and construction firms are invited to participate in the
California Pavilion at ReBuild Ukraine on November 13-14. Engage with
Ukrainian community and business leaders seeking materials and solutions to
support the country’s reconstruction efforts. At the show, companies will
also be able to connect with energy and construction industry leaders from
across Europe. Each company will get an aisle-facing, branded kiosk and 50″
TV to display marketing material.
Regional Market Briefing and Reception
Before the show, the delegation will receive an in-market briefing with local
experts to learn about the current business climate in the region and local
business culture.
Following ReBuild Ukraine, the delegation will attend a networking reception
with Ukrainian and Polish businesses and community leaders in Warsaw.
Business Development Consulting
Companies will receive business development support for the Ukrainian and
Polish market from international consulting firm AHP International. Services
include a preparatory webinar; business-to-business matchmaking at ReBuild
Ukraine, in Warsaw, and virtually; and onsite support during the tradeshow.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? This opportunity is funded in part
through a Cooperative Agreement
with the US Small Business
Administration.
Expression of Interest Form
Expression of Interest form – STEP – California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
GO-Biz will contact companies that have
expressed interest once the application for the
grant has opened
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) invites California small businesses focused on all sectors of the beauty industry to participate in the California pavilion. Companies will attend the Cosmoprof Asia Hong Kong Exhibition, receive business-to-business matchmaking support, and attend a networking reception. Companies who register will be among the first notified when the application is opened.
For more information, please click here
EXIM 2025 Annual Conference
Registration will open later this year.
Details about registration and sponsor opportunities will follow shortly. Meanwhile, please mark your calendar for April 29-30, 2025.
Participation in the 2025 Conference will be In-Person only.
The 14th World Chambers Congress returns to Melbourne next year, bringing together chamber leaders and businesses from around the globe. Under the theme “Business, chambers, government: Partners for prosperity,” the event will explore how collaboration between these sectors can drive sustainable growth. Stay tuned for official registration opening soon and visit the event website to plan your trip to Australia.
Staff Contact
Susanne Stirling
Senior Vice President, International Affairs