Overview
California is among the 10 largest economies in the world with a gross state product of more than $1.5 trillion. International-related commerce accounts for approximately one-quarter of the state's economy. Although trade is a nationally determined policy issue, its impact on California is immense.
CalChamber International Affairs
and Resources
Goals
Work to support negotiations, legislation, and regulations allowing California companies to compete more effectively in foreign markets and to attract more business to California.
Major Victories
- The CalChamber supported several U.S. free trade agreements that will create a seamless business environment with our trading partners, bringing measurable business benefits in all sectors.
- The CalChamber strengthened ties with Canada by joining Governor Schwarzenegger on a successful trade mission to our second largest export market. The mission included events marketing California agriculture, encouraging tourism, discussing intellectual property rights and promoting business investment in the state.
Position
The CalChamber, in keeping with long-standing policy, enthusiastically supports free trade worldwide, 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.
The CalChamber supports:
- Reducing the federal budget deficit by controlling federal spending.
- Efforts to achieve and maintain a stable and competitive relationship between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of major trading partners.
- Actions designed to eliminate barriers that impede U.S. and California commerce domestically and abroad by aggressively negotiating fair and equitable market access for California agriculture, manufactured products and services by aggressively negotiating to reduce trade barriers.
- Educating California's citizens, legislators and businesses about the benefit of trade to the state's economy.
- Legislation that allows California companies to compete more effectively in foreign markets, as well as to attract foreign business to California.
The CalChamber opposes:
- Protectionist-oriented legislation that leads to higher prices and limited choices for consumers.
- State and local legislation that imposes sanctions on businesses engaged in international trade and/or conflict with federal international policies.
Issue Summaries
Trade Promotion Authority
Position: The CalChamber supports the extension of trade promotion authority so that the President of the United States may negotiate new multilateral, sectoral and regional trade agreements ensuring that the United States may continue to gain access to world markets, resulting in an improved economy and additional employment of Americans. Such authority involves trade-related issues only and encourages industry consultation during future trade negotiations. Trade Promotion Authority 
Central/South American Free Trade Agreements
Position: The Central/South American trade agreements are critical elements of the U.S. strategy to liberalize trade through multilateral, regional and bilateral initiatives. Central/South American Trade Agreements
U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement
Position: The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement will send a strong signal that the United States intends to remain heavily engaged in the region for a long time to come in business, economics, security and international politics. The FTA will contribute to regional and global trade liberalization and strengthen the multilateral trading system. U.S.-Korea FTA
World Trade Organization
Position: The World Trade Organization (WTO) is having a tremendous impact on how California producers of goods and services compete in overseas markets, as well as domestically, and is creating jobs and economic growth through expanded international trade and investment. The WTO gives businesses improved access to foreign markets and better rules to ensure that competition with foreign businesses is conducted fairly. World Trade Organization
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