Tag: Global Brief

WTCSD’s Q4 Global Brief: France trade mission, binational trade, and more!

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q4 2025, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Rep. Peters, Mayor Gloria lead France trade mission to strengthen economic ties with EU

For four days in September 2025, Representative Scott Peters, Mayor Todd Gloria, and WTCSD led a delegation of 30+ senior leaders to France, a natural partner in clean energy, life sciences, defense, and tourism, and third largest investor into San Diego. WTCSD’s eighth international trade mission, the trip bolstered public-private relationships with French partners, showcased San Diego’s thriving innovation economy to EU investors, and much more.
➝ Learn More

WTCSD study: Cali Baja trade grows under USMCA, fuels 95K local jobs in strategic sectors

WTCSD released “Binational Trade and Competitiveness: Harnessing Opportunity in the Cross-Border Economy,” a study quantifying the thriving trade environment in the Cali Baja region. Underwritten by ITJ, the report analyzes the economic impact, supply chains, and roughly 95,000 local jobs supported by the cross-border economy as Mexico has overtaken China to become the U.S.’s top trading partner.
➝ Read More

WTCSD in 2025: Growing global connectivity, international sales, and binational collaboration

WTCSD cultivates a pipeline of export-ready firms, maximizes foreign direct investment opportunities, and enhances San Diego’s global identity and connectivity. From growing exports through MetroConnect to leading a trade mission to France, learn how we supported 89 companies with and through our partners in 2025.
➝ Explore our Year in Review

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Events

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

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WTCSD’s Q3 Global Brief: Trade mission to France, MetroConnect wins, and more

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q3 2025, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Op-ed: Global engagement does a world of good for San Diego

In recent years, Mayor Todd Gloria has led World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)’s trade missions to South Korea and the Netherlands to grow jobs, strengthen economic partnerships, and attract foreign investment such as San Diego’s new direct flight to Amsterdam. Next week, Mayor Gloria will join Representative Scott Peters to lead WTCSD’s trade mission to France to spotlight the impact of San Diego innovation, including our region’s role in fusion energy collaboration at ITER, and reinforce the global ties that are key to San Diego’s economic future.
➝  Learn More

Aquacycl wins $25K MetroConnect export grand prize

WTCSD—home of San Diego’s Export Small Business Development Center—named Escondido’s Aquacycl as the winner of the MetroConnect export accelerator program‘s seventh cohort. The small, woman-founded company provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to reduce costs and environmental impact. Made possible through a grant from JPMorganChase, Booz Allen, and Deloitte, Aquacycl will use the $25,000 award to expand its presence in Europe and Mexico with its patented BETT system and micro-aeration solutions.
➝ Learn More About Going Global with MetroConnect

With WTCSD support, SAN launches direct flight to Panama via Copa Airlines

After more than a decade of planning and support from WTCSD, San Diego International Airport and Copa Airlines launched a nonstop flight to Panama in June 2025. The year-round route will operate four days a week, providing quicker access to Central and South America, and includes a stopover program allowing passengers to explore Panama for seven days before reaching their final destination.
➝ Learn More

San Diego News

Events

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

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WTCSD’s Q2 Global Brief: San Diego’s newest exporters, Panama flight, and more!

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q2 2025, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

San Diego needs your vote: MetroConnect VII PitchFest 2025

Join WTCSD and 150+ international business leaders on June 5 to celebrate homegrown companies making global moves. We’ll kick off with an inspiring keynote from Nixon co-founders Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, then we’ll ask YOU to help us award $25,000 to a growing San Diego company from among MetroConnect VII finalists Aquacycl, Epitope Diagnostics, Sunday Golf, and Surf Loch.

You’ll enjoy an evening of networking with top regional business leaders and trade offices—and join us by 4:15 p.m. to enter for the chance to win two round-trip tickets on Copa Airlines’ new direct flight to Panama!
➝ Join Us to Cast Your Vote—Use PITCH20 for 20% Off

Apply by August 1: MetroConnect VIII export accelerator

WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator is accepting company applicants for its eighth cohort. Presented by Booz Allen Hamilton and JPMorgan Chase & Co., MetroConnect helps San Diego’s export-ready companies increase their international sales through up to $30,000 in grants, executive workshops, and mentorship from leaders at multinational corporations.
➝ Learn More and Apply

White Labs reduces Australian customs holds with MetroConnect

When San Diego-based White Labs began exporting live yeast cultures, it encountered a number of challenges with worldwide distribution, including lengthy customs and logistics holds in critical markets. Learn how MetroConnect helped the company access funding, translate user manuals, and streamline its global logistics—decreasing its Australian customs holds by 84 percent.
➝ Read the Case Study

San Diego News

Events

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

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WTCSD’s Q1 Global Brief: Export growth opportunities, regional trade, and more

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q1 2025, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Apply by June 30: Grow your global sales with MetroConnect

WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator is back for its eighth cohort! Presented by Booz Allen Hamilton and JPMorgan Chase & Co., MetroConnect helps San Diego’s export-ready companies increase their international sales through up to $30,000 in grants, executive workshops, and mentorship from leaders at multinational corporations.
➝ Learn More and Apply

A note from Nikia: Navigating trade uncertainty in a binational region

As tariff threats loom and the country teeters on the brink of an all-out trade war, we all wonder what it means for our binational region, the future of the popular USMCA, and the hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to global commerce in San Diego. This will be a volatile period for the North American supply chains that enable this region to compete globally. What we have learned is that in the midst of uncertainty, we should return to what we know to be true about this binational region.
➝ Read More from WTCSD’s Exec. Director

Access Trax turns $10K into export growth in Canada, Australia

With growing traction across the U.S. and interest abroad, accessibility product innovator Access Trax turned its sights toward international growth—but needed assistance securing economic incentives to fuel its expansion into foreign markets. Learn how WTCSD’s MetroConnect accelerator helped the woman-owned company access funding, translate documents, and build its Canada and Australia connections.
➝ Read More

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Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

 

WTCSD’s Q4 Global Brief: International flight, Singapore trade mission, and more

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q4 2024, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Rep. Scott Peters leads trade mission to Singapore

To foster vital global economic partnerships, Representative Scott Peters and San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo led a binational delegation of private, civic, and education leaders on WTCSD’s 2024 trade mission to Singapore. A similarly binational region with shared expertise in strategic technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing, Singapore is a highly-developed trade hub—and a natural partner for San Diego companies expanding globally.
➝ Read More

Reflections on our 2024 trade mission by Dr. Nikia Clarke

During WTCSD’s Singapore trade mission, delegates spotlighted major regional projects to potential global investors, learned about ResMed and Illumina’s Singapore presence, and explored opportunities to better connect and partner. And though our days in market get most of the attention, WTCSD’s Executive Director Dr. Nikia Clarke shares, the work that follows our trade missions is just as important—when deals get inked, investments and expansions are confirmed, and partnerships deepen, such as San Diego’s new direct flight to Amsterdam following our 2022 Netherlands trade mission.
➝ Read More

WTCSD in 2024: New international flight, export growth, and global connections

WTCSD cultivates a pipeline of export-ready firms, maximizes foreign direct investment opportunities, and enhances San Diego’s global identity. From growing exports through MetroConnect to leading a regional trade mission to Singapore, learn how we supported 120 companies with and through our partners in 2024.
➝ Read our Annual Report

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Events

 

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

WTCSD’s Q2 Global Brief: San Diego boosts international connectivity

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each quarter, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q2 2024, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

California, Gyeonggi Province sign MOU for collaboration

During WTCSD’s trade mission to South Korea last fall, Mayor Todd Gloria delivered a letter from Governor Newsom to Gyeonggi Province’s Governor Kim, inviting him to visit California and sign an MOU between the two regions. In May, Governor Kim did right by the invitation and joined Governor Newsom in Sacramento to sign the MOU that outlines three years of collaboration to foster trade relations, advance climate goals, and promote people-to-people exchanges among academics, entrepreneurs, and innovators alike. The South Korean Governor also expanded on local partnerships and spent a week in San Diego visiting UC San Diego, Illumina, Biocom, as well as Mayor Gloria.
➝ Read More About the Partnership

Samsung Semiconductor expands San Diego footprint

Together with Mayor Todd Gloria and the Chamber, EDC and WTCSD celebrated the opening of Samsung Semiconductor‘s customer engagement office in San Diego. The company currently employs 200 San Diegans with plans for additional growth in its new Del Mar office and beyond. The expansion follows last year’s WTCSD trade mission to South Korea where Mayor Gloria and more than 30 delegates visited Samsung Biologics and other tech giants to strengthen relationships with the strategically important innovation cluster.
➝ Read More

MetroConnect alum Novo Brazil Brewing inks five-year licensing agreement with Padres

Nova Easy Kombucha, renowned for its innovative and flavorful kombucha offerings, has partnered with the San Diego Padres for a brand new City Connect-themed hard kombucha, which is available at multiple locations within Petco Park. The five-year agreement not only enhances the game day experience but also underscores Nova’s commitment to community engagement and growth in San Diego.
➝ Read More

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Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

WTCSD’s Q1 Global Brief: Spotlighting San Diego’s global growth

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each month, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q4 2023, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

WTCSD unveils MetroConnect VII export accelerator cohort

Together with Mayor Todd Gloria and underwriters Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., WTCSD announced the 15 companies named to MetroConnect VII, which helps local, small- and mid-sized businesses build resilience by facilitating increased sales in global markets. From strategic and health technology to consumer goods, the multi-industry cohort will have access to a suite of resources to support expansion into international markets, including up to $30,000 in grant funding.
➝ Meet the Companies

Following trade mission, Dutch TNO establishes first North American office in San Diego

Following its Urban Strategy predictive modeling platform demonstration during WTCSD’s 2022 Netherlands trade mission, the Dutch government’s premier applied science research organization TNO will locate its first North American employee in San Diego. The partnership aims to develop a regional digital twin to inform San Diego’s decisions on land use, infrastructure, transportation, and housing development, complementing the region’s inclusive economic goals.
➝Read More

How MetroConnect VII’s Wearable Sensing is revolutionizing neurological research

Wearable Sensing develops wearable brain activity monitoring sensors using its patented active dry electrode technology to support research needs in real time, including studying brain function, identifying neurological disorders, and investigating effects of treatments on brain activity. As part of the new MetroConnect VII cohort, the Rancho Bernardo-based company aims to launch its technology further onto the global stage and grow its international sales in markets like the Middle East.
➝Read More

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Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

For COVID-19 recovery resources and information: Visit this page, or see how we can help your company free of charge.

WTCSD’s Q4 Global Brief: Enhancing San Diego’s global identity

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

Each month, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox.

In Q4 2023, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Mayor Todd Gloria leads trade mission to South Korea

To strengthen business relationships and grow quality jobs in San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria, SANDAG and County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas, and WTCSD led a binational trade mission to South Korea. With the U.S. government incentivizing the reshoring of supply chains and our regions’ complementary strengths in the life sciences, semiconductor, clean energy, and biotechnology sectors, South Korea is a critical global market and natural partner for San Diego companies expanding globally.
➝ Learn Why Korea

Reflections on our trade mission by Dr. Nikia Clarke

WTCSD’s 30 trade mission delegates showcased major regional development projects for foreign investors, toured Qualcomm and Illumina’s Korea offices, and explored opportunities to better connect our regions through travel and government partnerships while in South Korea. Most importantly, WTCSD’s Executive Director Dr. Nikia Clarke writes, “our binational region—with San Diego’s innovation ecosystem, Imperial Valley’s clean energy leadership, and Tijuana’s advanced manufacturing prowess—demonstrated its ability to compete like never before.”
➝Read the Recap

WTCSD in 2023: National recognition, export growth, and global connections

WTCSD cultivates a pipeline of export-ready firms, maximizes foreign direct investment opportunities, and enhances San Diego’s global identity. From winning the President’s “E” Award for growing regional exports through Export SBDC and MetroConnect to leading a Mayoral trade mission to South Korea, see how we supported 32 company projects with and through our partners in 2023.
➝Read our Annual Report

San Diego News

Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

For COVID-19 recovery resources and information: Visit this page, or see how we can help your company free of charge.

WTCSD’s Q3 Global Brief: Growing exporters, STEP grants, and more.

By Caroline Murray,

Each month, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox, sponsored by Lufthansa Group.

In Q3 2023, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Apply by Sept. 20: Grow your global sales with MetroConnect

WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator program equips cohorts of 15 San Diego companies with the resources and network to increase international sales. Made possible through a grant from Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., participating companies receive an export grant, executive workshops, 40+ mentorship hours from top business leaders, and the opportunity to win an additional $25,000 Grand Prize.
➝ Learn More and Apply

MetroConnect Spotlight: Novo Brazil Brewing

Chula Vista-based Novo Brazil Brewing applied for MetroConnect to grow its beer and kombucha exports, and brand around the world. Thanks to the program’s executive workshops and expansive business network, Novo forged deeper connections with the San Diego International Airport and will continue to increase sales in Europe and Japan.
➝ Read More

MetroConnect Spotlight: Solecta

Oceanside-based Solecta applied for MetroConnect to tap into new global markets and increase revenue opportunities around its membrane separation technologies. Through MetroConnect’s extensive network and resources, including STEP grant consulting, Solecta has expanded its European workforce and increased its global revenue and brand recognition.
➝ Read More

San Diego News

Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

For COVID-19 recovery resources and information: Visit this page, or see how we can help your company free of charge.

WTCSD’s Q4 Global Brief: Dutch trade mission, global growth, and more

By Caroline Murray,

Each month, World Trade Center San Diego delivers the latest global news and updates straight to your inbox, sponsored by Lufthansa Group.

In Q4 2022, here’s what you need to know about San Diego’s global trade, investment, and engagement. ➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief each quarter.

Mayor Todd Gloria leads first trade mission to the Netherlands

To foster vital global economic partnerships, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) led a delegation of 29 senior San Diego leaders on a trade mission to the Netherlands. Over three days in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Leiden, the delegation celebrated the unveiling of Qualcomm’s new AI Research Lab, toured ASML’s headquarters, and bolstered public-private relationships with Dutch partners at a dozen other meetings and events.
➝ Read the WTCSD Director’s Reflections

MetroConnect companies pitch for Dutch investment

San Diego-based, BIPOC-owned small businesses Trabus Technologies and Nano PharmaSolutions joined WTCSD’s trade mission to establish business relationships and pursue investment at the Netherlands’ Port of Rotterdam and Leiden Bio Science Park. San Diego small businesses employ more than 60 percent of the regional workforce; with the right partners and investment, small companies that solve important problems become resilient, large employers.
➝ Read More

Learn how to grow your international sales

San Diego companies: Join WTCSD, MetroConnect exporters, and international business partners on Tuesday, November 15 to learn about the resources available to access international customers. Network with Dutch, Hong Kong, and U.S. Commercial Service representatives to grow your exports through programs like WTCSD’s MetroConnect accelerator.
➝ Register Now

San Diego News

Events

Grow your company in san diego ↓

World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego.

  • Export Specialty Center: For small companies interested in learning about exporting and international growth.
  • MetroConnect: For small and medium-sized companies ready to export and grow internationally.

➝ Get WTCSD’s Global Brief delivered straight to your inbox.

You might also like:

For COVID-19 recovery resources and information: Visit this page, or see how we can help your company free of charge.