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GET CONNECTED WITH OUR TRADE RESOURCES


International trade is a critical driver of the U.S. economy, and the Port of Los Angeles is leading the way as the economic engine for our state and national economies. The San Pedro Bay handles over 40% of all containerized imports and 30% of all exports for the United States, and is related to more than 1 million jobs in California and nearly 3 million jobs nationwide, which equates to 1 in 9 jobs in the greater Los Angeles region.  
 
From export tools, guides, financing contacts, logistic providers, reports and trade publications, Trade Connect's resource library, below, will enable you to learn about and expand your business into the global marketplace. Trade Connect works with our Federal, State and Local Partners to help businesses export. 

TRADE CONNECT RESOURCES

WELCOME TO TRADE CONNECT'S LIBRARY OF TRADE RESOURCES

 
Trade Connect's Glossary of International Trade Terms provides a quick and useful reference guide to the most common import and export trade terms used in today's marketplace.
The City of Los Angeles provides a tool to Create a Business Plan which is one of the first steps your business should take to craft your game plan, hone your product, understand your customer base, and guide your decision-making to set up your business for success.  
The California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) assists California businesses expand into exporting to new markets through the Individual Company Export Promotion (ICEP) Program that reimburses up to $5,000 for eligible export promotion related expenses. 
For those companies that are ready to export, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce is the first chamber in the nation to offer Export Documentation Services to meet the highest international standards set by the International Chamber of Commerce and World Chambers Federation International Certificate of Origin Accreditation for Certificates of Origin (CO), Certificates of Free Sale (CFS), Certificate of Good Standing (CGS), and Good Manufacturing Practices Certificates (GMP).
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency for the United States.  When private sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. Because it is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, EXIM assumes credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept.
The LA Advantage brochure highlights the benefits of conducting your maritime business through the Port of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association represents the region’s customs brokers and freight forwarders and can provide referrals to find the right one for your needs. 
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's Business Portal to Export Your Products and Services, which provides helpful information for businesses that want to export.  
The International Trade Compliance Institute offers an extensive one-stop resource for the most useful trade information.
Local Trade Numbers:
 
State Trade Numbers:
 
 
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the 50 States (TTIP and the 50 States)
This is a landmark study on the potential benefits to each of the 50 states of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).  Representatives of the United States and European Union began negotiations to establish the TTIP, which, will deepen the relationship between the world’s two leading economies and create the world’s largest free trade and investment area.
The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration offers export assistance to trade professionals in over 75 countries.  The U.S. Commercial Service Offices located throughout the nation provide a program, the Gold Key Service that is a matchmaking service for U.S. businesses and helps identify, vet, and arrange meetings with interested partners overseas.  
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of International Trade works to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in the global marketplace and works with Lenders to Provide Loans. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions. The SBA reduces risk for lenders and makes it easier for them to access capital, which makes it easier for small businesses to get loans.