International Trade in Bellevue

Bellevue businesses engage in a considerable and growing amount of international trade, from aerospace to software, medical products to trade finance, and architectural and engineering design and consulting. Trading partners span the globe, in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Gandhi Memorial Information Sheet (October 2009)

There are many organizations and business associations that promote and support international trade. At the heart of this effort is an intention to improve international relations, cultural understanding and trade cooperation. Bellevue is proud that its international programs and business activities reflect the rich diversity of its population.

Key agencies include:

• Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle 
• Port of Seattle
• Port of Tacoma
• Washington Council on International Trade
• Washington State China Relations Council
• World Affairs Council
• World Trade Club
• United States Trade & Development Agency
• US Export Assistance Center
• Step by Step Export Guide
• Washington State International Trade Division
• Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington
• Overseas Private Investment Corporation

Bellevue is an active partner with businesses in trade. In 2007 and 2008, the city signed a trade cooperation agreement with Dalian, China, organized and hosted two discussion series on doing business in China and hosted a reception for the Pacific Rim Bankers Conference. In 2009, Bellevue welcomed a trade delegation from the region of Wujin, China to discuss subjects such as the digital media industry.   

In 2008 the city began "Initiative India," a regional effort to facilitate trade and cultural cooperation with India. This effort includes organizing a discussion series, hosting regional conferences, facilitating conversations with the Embassy of India, advocating for additional state and regional services, siting the headquarters of foreign companies and helping to organize cultural festivals.  An update on activities are found in "Bellevue as a Center for International Trade."

Many companies in Bellevue, from small businesses to multinational corporations, support these efforts.

In 2009, Bellevue will begin attempts to identify and survey local businesses, in order to understand better how the city can support international trade.  This will be followed by interviews with key businesses and sector leaders. Any businesses that wish to be included in these survey efforts are encouraged to contact Economic Development staff.

From time to time, the city will post reports on foreign trade topics.  

• Assessing Opportunities for Foreign Companies in China
• China's Economic Stimulus
• India 2009 General Elections and Key Issues Brief
• "Indian Firms Shift Focus to the Poor", Wall Street Journal (Sept 2009)

Federal, state and regional documents:

• US Trade Finance Guide 2007
• US Trade Finance Quick Reference 2008
• Washington State Exports to China
• Washington State Exports to India
• Country Commercial Guide to India 2009
• International Trade Flows Report, by US Census Bureau (Sept 2009)
• Trade Bulletin, Washington State Dept of Commerce (2nd Quarter, Sept 2009)