About

 

Trade Connect is the Port of Los Angeles’ award-winning educational trade outreach program connecting U.S. businesses with overseas trade opportunities, particularly exports. The program’s innovative seminars include introductory courses on the basics of commercial transactions, foreign markets, financing, documentation and logistics, to advanced seminars on international demand for specific products and emerging global consumer markets.
 
Founded in 2007, Trade Connect was established to encourage increased trade through the Port of Los Angeles, the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere. Exports have long been considered a vital part of the region’s economy, yet only about 15% of manufacturers in California currently export to foreign markets.  Trade Connect is the link that can help companies incorporate foreign markets into their business plans.

Over the years, Trade Connect has won multiple local and national awards. The program is also a key component of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s export initiative for businesses to export their products and services.  The LA Business Portal promotes trade development to improve the region’s overall economic viability.

 

The Port of Los Angeles is one of the world’s busiest seaports and leading gateway for international trade in the Western Hemisphere, and has ranked as the number one container port in the United States each year since 2000.  With nearly $36 billion in exports passing through the Port of Los Angeles each year, exports remain a vital part of the local Los Angeles economy and beyond.  The Trade Connect Program at the Port of Los Angeles offers extensive and free educational seminars with the goal of enabling small and medium sized businesses to expand their market share in to the international arena through exports.

 

The Trade Connect Program ensures the Port fulfills its mission to connect U.S. businesses throughout America with overseas trade opportunities—particularly exports—through trade promotion seminars.  Exports remain a vital part of the Los Angeles regional economy with nearly $29 billion in exports passing through the Port of Los Angeles each year.  Due to its large manufacturing base, Southern California has the potential to continue increasing exports to expand into numerous world markets. It is estimated that 85% of manufacturers in California do not export to foreign markets. This presents an opportunity to expand exports by helping these companies incorporate foreign markets into their business marketing plans.
 
The Trade Connect Program has also merged the function of intergovernmental relations with foreign governments, advancing the Port’s influence on expanding trade markets, while working intently with the international diplomatic community.  Likewise, interacting with professional business associations, trade specific organizations, and working closely with government agencies, the Trade Connect Program has reached a wider audience to promote overall trade.  Trade Connect also partners with programs held by other government agencies as well as the diplomatic corps, to promote export trade.

Businesses that want to learn about exporting.  Trade Connect is tailored to small and midsize businesses, the program offers all levels of seminars and other resources that provide companies what they need to take advantage of emerging global markets.  For nearly 20 years, Trade Connect has helped hundreds of business owners successfully build their international market footprint.