California Export Guide 2017

2017 California Export Guide

xporting means jobs and opportunities

for California companies. According to

the U.S. Department of Commerce, 96

percent of the state’s 73,000 exporters are

small-and medium-sized companies.

How significant are exports to the California

economy?

Although trade is often thought of in terms

of policy issues, its impact on California is very significant.

From a big picture perspective, trade can help feed the world

and raise the living standards of those around us, both in Cali-

fornia and worldwide.

Can the impact be quantified?

California is one of the 10 largest economies in the world, and

one of the top exporting states in the USA. The state’s exports, ac-

cording to the Department of Commerce, totaledmore than $165

billion in 2015. In addition to that, Foreign Direct Investment in

California accounts for 665,000 jobs that are directly supported by

majority foreign-owned affiliates in the state.

What countries are the state’s leading trade partners?

The state’s top export destinations are Mexico, Canada,

China, Japan and South Korea.

Which industry sectors offer the best

opportunities?

The leading export sectors in California in-

clude computers, electronic products, and sales

of food and kindred products. In fact, comput-

ers and electronic products are California’s top

export, accounting for 24.5 percent of all the

state’s exports. Other top categories included

transportation equipment; machinery, except electrical; and

miscellaneous manufactured commodities.

How can exporters get assistance?

Export assistance is readily available from trade specialists at

the California Centers for International Trade Development, the

U.S. Department of Commerce, the Small Business Develop-

ment Center network, and the EXIM Bank.

Is there financial assistance available to help exporters?

Yes, grants are available for qualified companies from both

the Small Business Administration and the Foreign Agricultural

Service. For details, contact one of the California Centers for

International Trade Development.

For more information about exporting fromCalifornia,

contact one of the state’s District Export Councils.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions for Exporters

C A L I F O R N I A