On Thursday, December 10, Ambassador Kirk will travel to San Diego, California, to meet with state legislative leaders at the National Conference of State Legislature's Fall Forum. This week's trade spotlight will focus on trade in California.
From San Diego to Redding, millions of families in California can attest to the benefits of trade. Manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, service providers, and businesses of every size are selling their products to consumers around the world. Just last year, California exported more than $144 billion of computers, electronics, machinery, and other goods.
Across California, nearly 50,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises are working to grow their businesses through trade. A snapshot of these businesses reveals a diversity of entrepreneurship. One example is a company based in Modesto that ships vegetable seeds to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Another business, based in Pleasanton, ships robotics and automation products to more than 20 countries. And there's also the San Diego manufacturer that sells sports equipment to athletes in China.
Businesses like these are counting on job-creating trade opportunities to grow, prosper and increase employment. Nearly 30,000 workers are needed just to keep the flow of goods moving through the Port of Long Beach. And the California men and women who work in export-related fields reap the benefits of quality, high-paying jobs. Trade is a booming business in California, and USTR is working to ensure that trade provides an even greater source of opportunity for families across this state, and throughout our country.
