Strong EU-California Relations Help Strengthen Both Economies(December 8, 2023) California is the farthest state away from Europe geographically, yet the closest in terms of values, a European Union (EU) representative told a California Chamber of Commerce breakfast gathering last week. The speaker at the December 8 breakfast of the CalChamber Council for International Trade (CCIT) was Gerard de Graaf, Head of the EU Office in San Francisco and senior envoy for digital to the U.S. de Graaf was among the 15 San Francisco area diplomatic representatives of California’s top trading partners who joined the CalChamber Board of Directors for dinner on Thursday, December 7. Also represented at the dinner were Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Chile and Ukraine. |
2023 California Japan Trade Mission – March 12-17, 2023
Australia-California Synergy on Climate Earns Praise Governor Newsom Announces New Climate Partnership With Australia |
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.
Mexico’s Ambassador to US Highlights Importance of Past and Future Trade Partnership at CalChamber Luncheon(May 2, 2023) In celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the U.S. this year, Mexico’s Ambassador to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma highlighted our countries’ past trade relationships and stressed the importance of our continuing trade partnership at the 14th Annual Mexico Advocacy Day luncheon yesterday. The luncheon is hosted each year by the California Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento. Canada Day Lunch Focuses on Investors Helping Build Sustainable Economic Future(February 28, 2023) Ways in which investments from Canada and California pension programs are advancing the move toward a green, sustainable economy were the focus of a recent luncheon discussion at the California Chamber of Commerce. The February 22 gathering was presented by the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco in partnership with the CalChamber and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. |
World Trade Month: Engaging in Global Market Key to Keeping US, California Economies Strong, Growing |
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’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.
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
Hannover Messe is the world’s largest and most comprehensive industrial technology event. It covers core themes of the industrial value-adding chain – from individual components to the complete smart factory. Innovative California industrial companies looking to expand to the European market are highly encouraged to apply to join the California Pavilion at Hannover Messe. Businesses qualified for CA STEP funding are eligible to participate at a significantly reduced cost. Space is limited and resources will be offered to STEP qualified companies on a first come first served basis.
Please see the event website for further details.
Hannover Messe InterestFor over 96 years, World Trade Week Southern California
has been the most extensive and unique program of its
kind in the country, actively promoting the positive
aspects of international trade that are vital to a strong
local and national economy.
The Chamber kicks off the start of each year’s celebration
by bringing together business executives, regional leaders
and members of the diplomatic corps for the WTW Kickoff
Conference. The event, which attracts 500 participants,
consists of an insightful program featuring keynote
speakers and industry experts to share their insights on the
latest global trade trends impacting SoCal companies.
The conference also includes scholarships, industry
awards, and an interactive exhibit hall.
2023 World Trade Week Event Video
Date
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Location
The Westin Long Beach
On The Agenda
Exhibit Hall
Silent Auction
Breakfast Program
https://lachamber.com/world-trade-week/world-trade-week/
Join the U.S. Department of Commerce for a multi-part webinar series, featuring USG and private sector experts who will present on a multitude of export documentation and logistics topics. This webinar series features topics germane to both new and seasoned professionals.
Sessions Schedule:
• Monday, May 6, 2024: Export Documentation Awareness Training
• Tuesday, May 7, 2024: Logistics Knowledge Session related to Sales & Marketing
• Wednesday, May 8, 2024: How VAT can affect your International Shipments
• Tuesday, May 9, 2024: INCOTERMS for U.S. Exporters
• Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Buy America: Demystifying the Complexities of the Buy American, Made in USA, and Build Back better Legislation
• Wednesday, May 15, 2024: FTA’s Qualifying your Product and Documenting Origin
• Tuesday, May 21, 2024: Canada Documentation and Logistics Overview
• Wednesday, May 22, 2024: Product Valuation Considerations
• Thursday, May 23, 2024: Mexico Documentation and Logistics Overview
• Tuesday, May 28, 2024: Export Compliance Considerations for your Shipping Department
Cost:
• We invite you to customize the 10 part webinar series according to your training needs. You can join individual webinars or the entire series.
• $300 for the entire webinar series (all 10 webinars)
• $30 each individual webinar
WCF Americas Summit
Business beyond borders: MSMEs going global
Join us in Bogotá for the first edition of the ICC World Chambers Federation Regional Summit in the Americas!
The theme of this major event, “Business beyond borders: MSMEs going global”, will focus on the different measures and policies that are being implemented by countries and companies to facilitate access to markets internationally.
It will showcase the best practices and experiences that the World Chambers Federation is advancing with small businesses.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in interactive business roundtables, schedule business meetings, and leverage the presence of over forty international buyers.
The event is free of charge and open to all, WCF members and non-members from all countries.
Venue: Bogotá Chamber of Commerce; in-person event.
Confirmed speakers:
Shannon K. O’Neill
Vice President of the Council on Foreign Relations
Andrés Moreno
Founder, Chairman of the Board, and CEO of Open English
Please join us for our International Forum on May 8th, 2024, where we will discuss trade issues for the California trade and business community.
RSVP at intlevents@calchamber.com, or contact us with any questions.
Staff Contact
Susanne Stirling
Vice President, International Affairs