International Trade is a significant component of California’s economy.  The
state’s economy is often measured against countries across the globe.  California’s
GDP is over $1.9 trillion making it the ninth largest economy in the world just
on the heels of Italy and Brazil.

This week at the premiere international trade conference in the state “Gateway
California,” professionals from the sector and from across the state gathered
to discuss key issues related to export and imports, their opportunities and
challenges and the regulatory environment which they work.  Of significance,
the conference came on the heels of three recently signed trade agreements with
Columbia, Korea and Panama and how these will impact the nation and California.

In a separate response, the semiconductor business often considered synonymous
with California provided the following related to the agreements:   “Semiconductors
 are America’s top exporting industry and with three quarters of semiconductors
being designed and manufactured here and 82 percent of our sales outside the U.S.,
 access to growing markets is critical for the success of our industry,” said
Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “We are hopeful that
the passage of these FTAs will mark the beginning of a renewed focus on
strengthening U.S trade policy and we applaud both the Congress and the
Administration for their work to create more American jobs and economic growth
through these agreements.”

However, within the context to the agreements, there were guarded but optimistic
statements.

                   
                      Peggy Rupp and Leslie Levy August of
                             Boomerang Freight Solutions

“Free trade is a goal and whatever we can do to create a middle class around the
world is good for the US in helping others to acquire USA and California products,”
 cited Michael Faust, president and CEO of the Northern California World Trade
Center and coordinator of the conference. 

“Reducing trade barriers however small is good,” said Leslie Levy August of
Boomerang Freight Solutions.  She identified that as it pertains to FTA’s we need
to be an engaged country and state on “informed protectionism.”   “As a nation,
we should want all markets to be open, however  we need to protect US companies
particularly as it pertains to the loss of intellectual capital,“ said August.

Moving forward, specifically as it relates to California, Faust identified that
to ensure the state continues its international growth; the focus of California
should be on “make it, create it and innovate it in response to keeping California
globally competitive.