International trade is the single largest category of state international engagement. The 50 states spend a combined total of approximately $100 million each year helping state businesses create jobs at home by selling products abroad.

While the core mission of state trade agencies is to support exporters, these agencies also play an important ancillary role in coordinating broader international partnership programs involving universities and other state agencies. In addition, as international trade negotiations have begun to embrace service industries and other economic sectors traditionally regulated by states, it has become imperative for state governments to play an active role in advocating their interests in the development of national trade policy and the negotiation of individual trade agreements.

State International Trade Organizations (SIDO) Partnership

CSG works in partnership with SIDO, the national association of state international trade directors, to share best practices among state agencies, provide professional development for trade directors, and advocate the role of states in international trade.

Eastern Trade Council (ETC)

CSG's Eastern regional office works to promote international economic opportunities for northeastern states through the ETC, an association of the eleven state trade agencies of the northeast region. The ETC works to strengthen the economic competitiveness of the northeast region in the global marketplace by sharing trade development information, jointly promoting regional products, and collectively advocating for federal trade promotion programs and policies that will benefit the region.

Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee on Trade (IGPAC)

CSG promotes the interests of state governments in national trade policy through its participation in the IGPAC of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This committee provides a vehicle for states to have input into ongoing negotiations and trade policy decisions. CSG also hosts frequent discussions of trade policy at its national and regional meetings.