Key Country Contacts
Trade Overview
Spain is arguably California’s first trading partner, dating back to colonial times when Spanish explorers colonized the area. Even today, a strong Spanish influence can be felt thoughout the state in linguistic, cultural, and sociological areas. Although California’s trading partners have grown considerably, Spain continues to be an important player in the state’s imports and exports.
In 2011, the United States exported over $10.6 billion to Spain. Exports consisted of $2.8 billion in Pharmaceutical Products. Imports from Spain were nearly $11 billion, with the top category being petroleum and coal products.
Foreign Direct Investment
According to the Spanish Trade Commission, the U.S. is the main investor in Spain with an investment stock of over 55 billion. Spain receives annually about 2% of American investment abroad. Spanish investment in the U.S. reached 8,000 million euros. Spanish investment represents more than 0.5% of FDI in the U.S.
California - Spain Trade Relations
In 2011, California was one of the top state exporters to Spain with nearly $1 billion. Spain is California's 26th export partner. Crop production was credited with over 42 percent of the total, with $420 million exports. Computer and electrical products held 18 percent with $180 million and chemical products held 9 percent with $92 million.
Spain: U.S. Department of Commerce is developing the Service Solutions USA Directory
The California Chamber of Commerce is a member of the US Commercial Service Partner Program in Spain
Catalonia - California's Sister State
California and Catalonia share a similar geography, natural beauty and common culture. In May of 1986, Catalonia became Californa 3rd sister state with the passing of Senate Concurrent Resolution 71. Many of our universities in California share agreements with universities in Catalonia; working together to enrich the lives of their respective communities.
According to ACC10 Silicon Valley, Catalonia is the leader in Spain in the chemical, pharmaceutical, packaging, food, automotive and consumer-electronics industries. More than 3,000 foreign companies are located in Catalonia and they account for 36 percent of Spain’s total exports. Barcelona is the capitol of Catalonia and was ranked 4th best European city in which to locate a business. (Healey & Baker’s European Cities Monitor)
Recent Events
| Trade Mission to Spain |
Spanish Delegation Speaks on California-Spain Trade |
(November 3, 1989) A California delegation traveled to Spain in October of 1989 in preparation for Expo '92, to be held in Seville. Members of the delegation represented the California 92 Board, the non-profit corporation recently established to organize California's participation at the world exposition.
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Pictured: King Juan Carlos I of Spain, greeting Susanne Stirling, CalChamber Vice President, international affairs
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From left are: U.S. Ambassador to Spain George Argyros; Susan Corrales-Diaz, Systems Integrated and California Chamber International Trade Committee chair; Roger Baccigaluppi, RB International; Allan Zaremberg, Chamber president; and Jaime Malet, American Chamber of Commerce in Spain president.
(October 5, 2004) The California Chamber of Commerce hosted a delegation of Spanish executives and officials at a luncheon on California-Spain trade relations last week. The visiting delegation included top Spanish executives as well as U.S. Ambassador George Argyros and the heads of sponsoring Spanish business associations.
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U.S. Ambassador to Spain Touts Abundant Business Opportunities |
U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, George L. Argyros Sr., spoke about California-Spain business opportunities at a recent California Chamber International Luncheon Forum. Seated from left are Former California First Lady Gayle Wilson, Ambassador Argyros and California Chamber President Allan Zaremberg.
(February 26, 2004) California must continue the trend of U.S. businesses that are establishing major plants and offices in Spain, urged George L. Argyros Sr., U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra, at a California Chamber of Commerce International Luncheon Forum yesterday.
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