CalChamber International Overview
Going global? The California Chamber of Commerce has a wealth of global resources and international contacts to get you started. From trade issues, federal legislation, and everything you need to know about the import/export business, chances are you'll find what you need to take your business to new levels.
California is one of the 10 largest economies in the world with a gross state product of over $1.9 trillion. According to an International Trade and Investment Study produced by the CA Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, "International trade and investment is a major economic engine for the state of California that broadly benefits businesses, communities, consumers and state government." Read more trade statistics or about the impact of foreign direct investment in the U.S economy.
Dozens of international articles, videos and reports are generated by the CalChamber annually. These messages and events are featured on the CalChamber website, publications, and email newsletters. The weekly Trade Update provides the latest international headlines, trade policy updates, and calendar of international events. More than 50 frequently asked questions and answers are included in the Trade FAQs.
Recent Events
Slavery Eradication Efforts Must Be Disclosed Now
Starting this year, every retail seller and manufacturer doing business in California with worldwide gross receipts that exceed $100 million must disclose with a “conspicuous and easily understood link” on its website (with a link on the homepage) its efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from its direct supply chain.
This disclosure requirement is part of the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, which was enacted in 2010 and went into effect Janaury 1, 2012. An overview of requirements for the human traffi cking/slavery eradication disclosure is available to California Chamber of Commerce members at
www.calchamber.com/humantrafficking |
International Activities
Looking Out for Business — Through our lobbying team and committees, we monitor state and federal legislative issues, as well as multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations on behalf of Californians doing business abroad.
Making Connections — We work as a clearinghouse of information for international trade. We encourage our members to share their international expertise, while also bridging the gap between government agencies and private companies, here and abroad.
Getting Involved — We give you as many chances as possible to grow your international business. Each year, we sponsor/co-sponsor trade and investment missions, educational programs and conferences, as well as trade and catalog shows.
See a partial listing of our past International Trade Forums.
See a listing of past Council on International Trade Forums.
California Chamber Trade and Investment Missions
As California steps further into the international market, we’ll be there. Over the years, CalChamber delegations have participated in the state’s trade and investment missions.
Members and CalChamber officials often participate in trade events such as International Expos and the World Economic Forum. CalChamber Board members and officials have accompanied four California Governors to various worldwide destinations, including Mexico City to discuss the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and various trade missions.
View previous California Trade Missions.
Visit Trade.gov for a list of U.S. Department of Commerce-
sponsored trade missions.
Consular Corps - Welcome to California Info Packet
Information for newly posted California consular corps members in one handy packet.
View the Welcome to California Packet
Additonal International Resources
California State Trade and Export Promotion (CA STEP) Calendar
The California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP) project combines a network of state, federal, private and non-profit trade promotion organizations in California to facilitate export promotion activities, serving targeted industries, to drive exports for small businesses.