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 more than $1.9 trillion. According to an International Trade and Investment Study produced by the California 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
MAY IS WORLD TRADE MONTH
Commentary: Trade Statistics Show Continuing Growth
As we approach the middle of May, the nationally observed World Trade Week, it is clear that international trade is a continuing bright spot in the economic landscape, with export markets providing advantages for both California and the United States.
CalChamber, May 11, 2012
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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.
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.
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
Additional 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.