World Trade Week Southern California

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World Trade Week was created in 1926 and first observed in Southern California in 1927.

World Trade Week was founded by Stanley T. Olafson, then manager of the World Trade Department of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. This occurred during a time of isolationism and under the conditions prevailing during the heyday of the restrictive Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act.

By 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had officially proclaimed World Trade Week a national observance by the U.S. Government. Initially created to promote the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, World Trade Week expanded its scope following World War II to include all facilities and organizations in the Southern California area involved in world trade.

Today, World Trade Week actively promotes the positive aspects of international trade that are vital to a strong local and national economy, under the guidance of founding sponsors the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles World Airports, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles. The original weeklong observance has now grown to more than 40 events held each May in Southern California.

2025 World Trade Week - Letter from the Committee Chair

Dear Friends,

This year, the global macroeconomic landscape remains highly dynamic as markets navigate growing complexities. The trajectory of the business cycle will depend on macroeconomic trends, trade policies, and geopolitical uncertainties. Despite various influencing factors, the global economic outlook remains optimistic, with strong growth projected and driven by the widespread adoption of AI, which boosts innovation across international markets.

For nearly a century, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in promoting global trade across the region, with its signature event, World Trade Week—the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the nation. It is a true privilege and honor to serve as the Chairman of the 2025 World Trade Week Committee.

Join us for the 99th World Trade Week Kick-Off on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, University of Southern California. This year's theme, "A New Horizon: Reimagining Trade with Innovation," delves into how AI revolutionizes global trade. These cutting-edge technologies, from data analytics to process automation, are dismantling barriers and transforming international commerce.

Let’s celebrate global trade partnerships and explore the future of trade and innovation through networking and insightful panel sessions!

Thank you so much for your support.

Dr. Nick Vyas
Chairman, 2025 World Trade Week Committee
Founding Executive, USC Marshall Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute

World Trade Week Committee

* Thank you to our past WTW chairs for their commitment, dedication and support

Celebrating World Trade

World Trade Week, is the largest convening of its kind. Established in 1926 by Stanley T. Olafson and the L.A. Area Chamber, it celebrates the importance and benefits of global trade to the local and national economy.

Each year the Chamber launches the start of a month-long celebration by bringing together business executives, leaders of trade organizations and members of the diplomatic corps for the WTW Kickoff Conference. The event has grown to become the leading celebration of global trade in the nation, attracting hundreds of participants from all over the globe.

The support for world trade goes beyond the month-long celebration in May, we continue our efforts throughout the year with educational briefings and by meeting with elected officials to actively highlight how international trade contributes to a strong local and national economy.

World Trade Week Historical Article Archive

Every year World Trade Week garners media attention. Read past articles, going back to the 1940s, on the significance of World Trade Week.

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