News & Updates

TAKE ACTION: U.S. Trade Representative Solicits Comments on Tariffs Proposal

The U.S. Trade Representative released a proposal to impose a 25 percent tariff on approximately 1,300 products from China. This proposal is part of the administration’s response to counter the $375 billion trade deficit with China and unfair trade practices that USTR found on China’s policies and practices on technology transfer and intellectual property. The proposed tariffs target Chinese products valued at approximately $50 billion. To view the USTR notice and proposed list of products click here.

USTR is soliciting comments on its proposal and will hold a hearing on May 15, 2018. Comments may address any aspect of the proposal including the specific products to be subject to tariffs (if products should be retained, removed or added to the list) and the level of increase, if any. To assure consideration, comments must be submitted in accordance with the following schedule:

*April 23th, 2018: due date for filing requests to appear and a summary of expected testimony at public hearing

* May 11th, 2018: Due date for submission of written comments

*May 15th, 2018: public hearing in main hearing room of USTR, 500 E Street SW Washington DC 20436 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

*May 22nd, 2018: Due date for submission of post-hearing rebuttal comments

To submit comments, please click here. Docket number is USTR-2018-0005. For alternatives to online submissions, please contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-9483. Further information about USTR’s request for comments may be found here.

On March 1, 2018, the government of China announced that it will impose tariffs on 120 U.S. products including steel and aluminum. This decision followed recent measures taken by the United States to detain and diminish Chinese imports. U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer revealed a list of goods which would be subject to 25 percent tariffs for $50 billion worth of Chinese products including machinery, agricultural equipment and tech goods. These tariffs aim to alleviate the $375 billion trade deficit with China.

China’s announcement states a 15 percent tariff will be added to fruits, nuts, wine and steel pipes, while a 25 percent tariff will be added to pork and aluminum. The trade value of these products combined surpasses $3 billion.

As San Diego’s third highest export destination with a total value of $794 million, tariffs represent a critical threat to our region. Trade supports more than 110,000 jobs in San Diego, and many studies have shown that the average U.S. household saves about $10,000 per year in lower prices paid for imported goods. The Chamber will continue its advocacy for free trade and cross-border commerce.

VP Honored by San Diego Girl Scouts

Paola Avila, Vice President of International Business Affairs, was honored with the “Cool Women Award” presented by the San Diego Girl Scouts.  The Cool Women Award honors local women who embody the Girl Scouts Promise and Law, exhibit excellent leadership skills and serve as role models. They maintain high levels of integrity, motivate and inspire others, represent outstanding professional achievements, advocate for positive social change or demonstrate civic responsibility, and are newsworthy. The event provides participating girl scouts with the opportunity to ask mentors questions about their careers, and learn about education pathways and how to overcome challenges.

Cali-Israel Mexico Innovation Expo

In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego, and the Tijuana Economic Development Corporation,  the Chamber co-presented the fourth annual Cali-Israel Mexico Innovation Expo at the BIT Center in Tijuana from March 19th to 21st. This regional conference centered in Southern California and the Cali-Baja region of Mexico, focusing on cross-border investment, venture capital, education, and asset management. The event provided participants with partnership and investment opportunities, and showcased the next generation of Israeli innovations from state-of-the-art drone prototypes to renewable energy systems, medical devices, mobile technology, and cyber technology to agribusiness.

Chamber President Jerry Sanders toured the expo and provided welcoming remarks alongside Ambassador Marcela Celorio, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego. Additionally, Paola Avila, Vice President of International Business Affairs, participated in a panel conversation where she shared the Chamber’s work and leadership in the promotion of cross-border commerce in the San Diego-Baja California binational region.

Funding Allocated For Improvements to Tijuana Sewage Issue

Mexico’s National Water Commission (CONAGUA) announced an investment of $4.35 million for improvements to repair Tijuana sewage infrastructure. Roberto Ramirez Parra, National Director of CONAGUA stated “this is an effort to put an end to the health crisis that the municipality has been facing.” The project is designed to replace sewage pipelines and the main wastewater treatment plant in order to prevent major sewage spills along the canal, and is being developed in collaboration with CESPT, the public utilities commission for the State of Baja California, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through its border infrastructure fund that is administered by the North American Development Bank. The project proves to be an advancement in the development of a binational action plan to mitigate and prevent further contamination and sewage spills.

The announcement came shortly after Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luis Videgaray, promised to address the problem during his visit to San Diego. The Chamber commends CONAGUA, State of Baja and COCEF for addressing the infrastructure issues causing the Tijuana River Valley contamination, we are grateful for Consul General Celorio’s leadership on the issue and will continue to promote binational collaboration to achieve a solution.

Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs visits San Diego

Mexico’s Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Luis Videgaray Caso, visited San Diego aiming to fortify the political and economic relationship between Mexico and the U.S. During his visit, the Secretary discussed priorities such as economic prosperity, border infrastructure, and diplomacy. His agenda included a meeting with San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a lecture on the U.S.-Mexico relationship at UC San Diego, and meetings with regional stakeholders to discuss ongoing border projects and cross-border trade.

The Chamber met with Secretary Videgaray during a private dinner hosted by the Consulate of Mexico in San Diego. President & CEO Jerry Sanders and Paola Avila, Vice President of International Business Affairs, shared the Chamber’s mission to strengthen the bilateral political and economic relationship, highlighting the importance of the Mexican market for the U.S., American jobs, and national security.

Chamber Joins REAL Coalition in Sacramento for Advocacy Day

As part of the Regional Economic Association Leaders (REAL) Coalition, the Chamber joined other large, advocacy-oriented economic institutions for a Sacramento advocacy day. Meetings with Senator Beall, Senator Wiener, and Senator Bates focused heavily on infrastructure funding and addressing the state’s current housing crisis. Other discussions, such as the meeting with Assemblymember Evan Low, touched on the current political climate and the best way for collaboration moving forward, and how the business community might better communicate their issues. Much of the conversation was reflective of the larger talking points from the Chamber’s Sacramento Delegation trip that occurred in February of this year. The REAL Coalition’s next in-person gathering will take place in San Diego and highlight our thriving business community.

Pure Water Phase 1 Receives Stamp of Approval from City Council

The San Diego City Council voted unanimously to approve the Pure Water Phase 1 Environmental Impact Report. Pure Water is a safe, reliable, and drought-proof supply of water and will provide the City of San Diego with one third of its water supply by 2035. The Chamber has been a long-time supporter of Pure Water as it gets the City that much closer to water independence, better insulates us against drought, and creates jobs.

Thank you to everyone who joined our call to action to help get the EIR over this important milestone.

For more on Pure Water, visit www.sandiego.gov/water/purewater/purewatersd.

 

 

Senator Atkins Sworn In as Senate Pro Tempore

Senator Toni Atkins made history with her recent swearing in as Senate Pro Tempore, in which she will lead the state Senate. Following a swearing in ceremony at the Capitol, the Senator invited hundreds to join her at the Jacobs Center for a local San Diego ceremony. Chamber staff and board members were present to hear her remarks and look forward to a productive time ahead, further leveraging an already positive and productive relationship with Senate Pro Tem Atkins and her wonderful staff.

Member Spotlight: Tequila & Taco Music Festival

Ingredients

  • Craft Tequila Experience
  • Taco Vendors
  • Live Entertainment
  • Local Art & Craft Vendors

Event Details

1. Two Day Event

2. Saturday, Celebrate Craft Tequila

  • Saturday’s Tequila Sampling Allows Each “Tequila Experience” Ticket Holder to Sample the Areas Local Craft and Popular
  • Each Tequila Experience is limited to (1) Round of of 6 Samples of Tequila
  • This Event is for New and Seasoned Tequila Connoisseurs to Sample and Find Your New Favorite Tequila!

3.  Sunday, Más Margaritas

  • Sunday’s Celebration Highlights Our Popular Margaritas. Guests are Surrounded by Live Entertainment, a Wide Assortment of Margaritas, Flavorful Tacos, and Shopping

 

 

Contact

Website:www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com
Email: info@tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com
Phone: 805- 628-9588

San Diego Real Producers Ribbon Cutting and Launch Party

Thank you to everyone that attended San Diego Real Producers Ribbon Cutting and Launch Party!

It’s been an exciting mission to connect the top producing Realtors here in Southern California to some of the best affiliates, investors and business people. We are excited about the platform that is just getting kicked off. The goal is to inform and inspire the top echelon of Real Producing Realtors and facilitate a community of reciprocity and communication from Real Producer to Real Producer.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/SDRealProducers/ or RealProducersMag.com.