5
California.Think.Global2017 California Export Guide
Helping Business in a Global Economy
• Web portals compiling information about
California’s top trading partners
• Trade policy issues
• Links to global resources
• FAQs and more
• Sign up for weekly Trade Update
e-newsletter
The only statewide business organization continually
devoted to promoting international trade and exports.
www.calchamber.com/internationalR
ecognizing the importance of exports to the U.S. and state
economies, the California Chamber of Commerce works
to shape policy positions that will have a positive impact
on trade opportunities for California companies doing
business abroad.
California ranks among the 10 largest economies in the
world with a gross state product of more than $2 trillion.
Perennially one of the nation’s top exporting states, Califor-
nia trades with approximately 225 foreign markets. The more
than $165 billion of state exports in 2015 accounted for about
9% of total U.S. exports, according to the U.S. Department
of Commerce.
Together with local chambers of commerce, and numerous
state organizations and companies, the CalChamber works to
ensure fair and equitable market access for California manu-
factured and agricultural products, and
services.Wemonitor
and advocate on state and federal legislative issues, as well as
multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations affecting exports
and investment.
Knowing that California’s two-way international trade
translates into high-paying jobs for more than 1 million
Californians, the chamber also serves as a clearinghouse of
information on international trade.
The
CalChamber.comwebsite fea-
tures portals dedicated to Califor-
nia’s top trading partners—Mexico,
Canada, China, Japan and Hong
Kong—plus other regions. Each
year, the chamber sponsors or
co-sponsors trade and investment
missions, educational programs
and conferences.
The chamber also facilitates
access to export assistance from
trade specialists at the California
Centers for International Trade
Development, the U.S. Export Assistance Centers, and the
Small Business Development Center network.
Our collaborative efforts help ensure that California compa-
nies stay competitive in the complex and ever-changing world
marketplace.
Susanne T. Stirling is Vice President, International Affairs
at the California Chamber of Commerce. More information
available online at
www.calchamber.com/internationalGlobal California:
Statewide Network Promotes Exports, Offers Assistance
By Susanne T. Stirling
Susanne T. Stirling