San Francisco Announced as Host City for Asia-Pacific Leaders Meeting in Fall 2023 CalChamber, November 21, 2022 |
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.
Global Trade Issues with Touch of Politics Get Attention at CalChamber Forum![]() (June 7, 2022) Common challenges facing the global community were the focus of an enthusiastic audience at the California Chamber of Commerce-hosted in-person International Forum last week. Speaking to the 175 attendees at the June 1 forum were:
CalChamber-Hosted Mexico Advocacy Day Lunch Focuses on Future of Bilateral Relationship![]() On May 3, the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon for the 13th Annual California Mexico Advocacy Day in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento. The luncheon focused on the future of the bilateral relationship between California and Mexico as the bilateral partners emerge from the global COVID-19 pandemic. The California-Mexico relationship has remained strong, as Mexico continued to be California’s No. 1 export market in 2021. CalChamber Hosts Reception for Japanese Ambassador and Delegation![]() On Monday, March 21 the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception for the Japanese Ambassador to the United States. Ambassador Koji Tomita was accompanied by a delegation including Hiroshi Kawamura, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, and representatives from the business community together with California state government officials. The Ambassador was escorted to the CalChamber offices by the Lieutenant Governor of California, Ambassador Eleni Kounalakis, and Dee Dee Myers, Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on climate change and energy earlier in the day. Canadian Consul General Visits CalChamber![]() (March 14, 2022) Post-pandemic return-to-work policies, energy resources, climate change and trade issues were among the topics of discussion when a team from the Canadian Consulate General in San Francisco visited the California Chamber of Commerce on March 14.
CalChamber-Hosted Lunch for UK Trade Secretary Provides Opportunity to Reiterate Shared Goals![]() (July 16, 2021) Technology, agriculture and the California and British economies were among the topics discussed when the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a small luncheon for Britain’s trade secretary on July 14. The Sacramento stop by the Right Honorable Elizabeth Truss, member of Parliament, was part of a five-day visit to the United States. The CalChamber luncheon included Secretary Truss; the Honorable Joe White, British Tech Envoy and Consul General in San Francisco; and James Crean, Head of Trade Policy at the British Consulate General San Francisco. Susanne Stirling, CalChamber vice president for international affairs, welcomed the British guests together with CalChamber Board member Rick Fowler, chief operating officer at Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard. |
World Trade Month Spotlights Importance of Global Trade to State, U.S. Economies |
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 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’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
International COVID-19 Information Page, click here.
Diplomacy Matters:
California Leading the Way
NorCal World Trade Center Webinar featuring Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis; Consul General of Mexico in Sacramento, Liliana Ferrer; and Susanne Stirling, VP International Affairs, CalChamber; February 2021
Celebrating International Women’s Day Webinar with Women in International Trade, Los Angeles
Featuring Bella Heule, VP of Business Development, California Closets; Audrey Glover-Dichter, General Counsel, Organization of Women in International Trade; and Susanne Stirling, VP International Affairs, CalChamber; March 2021



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
- Alliance for Fair Trade with India
- *CalChamber California Coalition for Free Trade*
- Federation of International Trade Associations
- North American Rebound
- Trade Works for US
- U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB)
- USA * Engage
International Events
U.S. TO ANYWHERE
Feb 16th, 2023, 10:00am Pacific/1:00pm Eastern
Cost: $25.00
- 57% of digital buyers purchase products from an online store outside their domestic market.
- 92% of sellers surveyed plan to enable cross-border online purchasing by the end of 2023.
- Only 10% of cross-border consumers agree that most brands meet their expectations for what they consider a good experience.
- Online retail sales reached $4.9T globally in 2021.
Consumers are ready, your competitors are gearing up and there is still huge room for improvement. Learn how to build your cross-border, omnichannel digital sales roadmap. Examine which markets are right for you. Understand how to get paid, fulfill orders, market yourself, and comply with regulatory requirements.
Access Africa; Trade Promotion Seminar
In Celebration of Black History Month
Date: Friday, February 17, 2023
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Venue: Karibu Wine Lounge
1419 Park Street, Alameda CA 94501
*Invitation Only Event, Please RSVP to Rod.Hirsch@trade.gov
Agenda
1:45 pm Check-in
2:00 pm Introduction of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, CA-12 (Invited) by Chadwick Spell, Board Chair, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce
2:10 pm Welcome Remarks by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, CA-12 (invited)
2:15 am Introduction of Federal and State of California (Go-Biz) Guest Speaker(s) by David Socher, Chair Northern California District Export Council (NorCal DEC)
Recognize fellow NorCal DEC Executive Committee members Sung Wook Lee, Vice Chair, Tom Neff, Treasurer & Rod Hirsch, Executive Secretary
2:30 pm Introduction of Special Guest Speaker The Honorable Deputy Consul General with the Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya, James Omosa Rwoti (invited) by Dr. Christine Wachira, The Wachira Group
2:45 pm Presentation on U.S. Commercial Service Export Promotion Services & Missions by Rod Hirsch, Director of the Oakland Export Assistance Center
3:00 pm Presentation on Small Business Administration (SBA) Working Capital Loan Program by Michael Fazio
3:15 pm Presentation on the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) by Mariana Guevara
3:30 pm Presentation on ExIm Bank Export Credit Insurance by John Keevan Lynch
3:45 pm Q&A
|
Staff Contact
Susanne Stirling
Vice President, International Affairs