California Export Guide 2017

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12 2017 California Export Guide
T he Port of Los Angeles
is Southern California’s
gateway to interna-
tional commerce and the
number one container port in
North America. In addition to
its groundbreaking environ-
mental initiatives, progressive
security measures, and diverse
recreational facilities, the port
is also committed to helping
businesses find the resources
they need to enter international
markets.
Exports are especially impor-
tant to the Los Angeles regional
economy. During 2015, more
than $62 billion in exports
flowed through the San Pedro
Bay ports, and another $50
billion in exports were shipped
via LAX Airport. Additionally,
products from Southern Cali-
fornia were exported via truck
and rail to Mexico and Canada,
the region’s NAFTA partners for
more than two decades.
Southern California’s top 10 air and sea cargo exports, in
terms of value, are: Civilian aircraft and parts, diamonds, cell
phones and parts, gold, motor vehicles, computers, computer
chips, medical instruments, cotton and motor vehicle parts.
This array of products, most of which are high value, may come
as a surprise. But this is indicative of the wide variety of Califor-
nia exports.
Beyond its current export base, Southern California has the
potential to significantly increase its exports by leveraging the
region’s manufacturing base, as well as its ideal location for
reaching the entire Pacific Rim.
The port’s Trade Connect program is one of the tools de-
signed to help expand the region’s export base, For the past 10
years, the program has included a variety of in-
novative seminars and workshops. The program
features export-related essential resources:
Locating international markets and buyers,
facilitating trade finance and insurance, arrang-
ing documentation and logistics and protecting
intellectual property.
In close cooperation with the U.S. Depart-
ment of Commerce and the District Export
Council of Southern California, Trade Connect
has been presenting Export University events
throughout the greater Los Angeles region. This
series has expanded to cover additional subjects,
such as preparing an export plan, statistical research, interna-
tional business culture, distributor contracts, Incoterms and
online export marketing.
A new program, TradeX, launched in 2016, provides a
platform for companies with new product innovations. Com-
panies present their products and a panel of experts advises
on prospects for selling and shipping these products globally.
Additional programs include regional overseas market forums
and product-specific forums.
These efforts represent a true collaboration of local
government agencies, private sector professional associa-
tions, chambers of commerce and business organizations.
Key presenters at Port of Los Angeles seminars include the
U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business
Administration, the Export Import Bank of the
U.S., the District Export Council of Southern
California, the Los Angeles Customs Brokers
and Freight Forwarders Association, the Los
Angeles County Bar Association International
Section, the SBDC, the CITD, and numerous
other partners.
As an export resource, the port is both a
strategic platform and a catalyst for international
trade in California.
JimMacLellan is Director of Trade Develop-
ment at the Port of Los Angeles, online at
.
Port of Los Angeles:
A Catalyst for International Trade
By JimMacLellan
Gene Seroka, executive director of Port of Los Angeles (far left) and Carlos Valderrama, executive vice
president of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce (far right), with Holly Vineyard from the
U.S. Department of Commerce (center), and Consul Generals from the ASEAN-member countries with
consulates in Los Angeles.