International Trade
Explore CalChamber's positions on key international trade issues, agreements, and policies impacting California businesses operating around the world.
Global Influence.Local Impact.
CalChamber represents California business on the international stage — advancing trade, shaping policy, and building connections that help you compete and grow internationally.
How trade shapes California business
International trade and investment are essential to California's economy, and to the businesses that power it. CalChamber advocates for expanded market access, fair trade policies, and fewer barriers so that California companies can compete and grow worldwide.
Through policy leadership, issue tracking, and the Council for International Trade, we connect business leaders with the insights, relationships, and opportunities needed to engage in global markets, and shape the policies that impact them.
Pictured: Susanne Stirling leads CalChamber's outreach with other nations as Senior Vice President, International Affairs.
Helping Business in a Global Economy
Go beyond policy and resources by exploring programs, partnerships, and opportunities to participate in California's global trade network.
Council for International Trade
Engage directly with policy leaders, trade experts, and fellow businesses shaping California’s global strategy.
Trade Missions
Connecting California businesses with global markets through organized trade delegations and international engagement.
California Coalition for Free Trade
Join a statewide coalition of California's leading voices advocating for sound U.S. trade policy and open foreign markets that fuel jobs and economic growth.
District Export Council
Connect with appointed trade experts and U.S. Commerce Department officials working to strengthen export promotion and commercial diplomacy across California.
Coalition for Generalized System of Preferences
Support efforts to renew and expand the GSP program, saving California companies millions in tariffs and promoting economic development with trading partners.
Understand Trade — and what it means for you
From major agreements to market trends, explore the forces shaping California's global economy.
Trade Agreements & Issues
Dive deeper into specific trade agreements, regions, and policy issues—from USMCA to emerging global markets.
Trade Statistics
Access data and insights on trade flows, exports, and economic trends to understand where opportunities are growing.
Foreign Direct Investment
See how global investment impacts California—and where international capital is driving growth across industries.
Find the right connections, fast
From government agencies to international networks, these global resources help you navigate international markets with confidence.
All Global Resources
Access global contacts, government agencies, and trade organizations to help you navigate international markets with confidence.
Trade Partner Portals
Explore key information about California’s major trading partners, including economic data, policy updates, and business opportunities.
Global Contacts, Organizations, & Associations
Find international organizations, trade groups, and industry associations to help you navigate global markets and build connections.
Foriegn Consulates
Find contact information for foreign consulates across California to connect with diplomatic representatives.
Consular Corps Information Packet
Find resources to help international visitors and new Consular Corps members understand how U.S. and California governments work.
U.S. Government
Access federal agencies, trade offices, and programs that support U.S. businesses operating internationally.
International Education
Explore data, policy insights, and educational resources to better understand global markets, trade trends, and opportunities.
Binational Chambers
Connect with binational chambers across California to build relationships, access networks, and grow your international presence.
Profiles in Trade
Read stories of CalChamber member companies succeeding in global markets.
California Government
Engage with state agencies and leaders driving California's international trade strategy and global partnerships.
International FAQs
There are numerous U.S. and foreign government agencies and contacts involved in the international trade process. Good sources for these contacts include:
- Export Import Bank:
Export Resource Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Exporting - U.S. Department of Commerce
Learn How to Export
U.S. Commercial Service
International U.S. Department of Commerce – Export Assistance Centers Trade Offices Nationwide - U.S. Department of Agriculture
Foreign Agriculture and Services Field Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture-Foreign Agricultural Service-Country Information - U.S. State Department
U.S. State Department – Countires/Regions
U. S. Embassies
Embassy Web - Library of Congress Country Studies
U.S. and foreign tariffs, taxes, duties and customs information (including the Harmonized Tariff Schedule) can be obtained via several sources.
For further information, see:
The main source for information on export licensing and controls is the Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Useful sources at the U.S. Department of Commerce include:
Also informative are these link within the U.S. Small Business Administration International Trade Program:
An Export license gives permission to conduct an export transaction. The license is granted after it is reviewed by a licensing agency specific to the product being exported. Only a few exports actually require a license. To determine whether or not a product needs an export license, contact the Bureau of Industry and Security Exporter Services in Newport Beach, CA. at 949-660-0144 or see the U.S. Department of Commerce Exporting Guide: Exporting Basics
Chambers of commerce traditionally have issued Certificates of Origin on behalf of U.S. exporters who are required to provide assurances to foreign buyers that the goods they are purchasing originated in the United States. The California Chamber of Commerce does not issue Certificates of Origin; however, many local chambers throughout the state provide this service. Note: There is no single authority in the United States supervising compliance of the international rules regarding certificates of origin,
For further information, see:
- ICC Genesis – Certificates of Origins
- ICC – Verification Process
- California Chambers Validating Certificates of Origins
- California Export Document Alliance -SwiftDox
- California Trade Alliance – Certificates of Origin and Free Sale
- Trade.Gov (U.S. Department of Commerce)
- FTA Certificates of Origin
- International Chamber of Commerce
- Information re Chamber Stamps for Certificates of Origin
- American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) adopted eCertify as the standard for the processing of Certificates of Origin.
- Shipping Solutions: The Chamber of Commerce and Export Documents: Certificate of Origin
- American World Trade Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
- USMCA Certificate of Origi