WCIT — Washington Council on International Trade – WCIT advocates for trade policies and investments that increase our state’s international competitiveness and benefit Washington’s workers and employers.

The Washington Port System: Gateways to Growth at Home and Opportunities Abroad

Activities at Washington’s public ports support over 175,000 family-wage jobs. With approximately 40 percent of all jobs tied to international commerce, Washington is the most trade-reliant state in the nation. Geographic advantages including proximity to the Pacific Ocean, natural deep water harbors courtesy of the Puget Sound, and an unparalleled network of roads, railways, and […]

U.S.-U.K. Free Trade Agreement: Opportunities and Challenges for Washington State

Negotiations between the United States and the United Kingdom on a free trade agreement offer great economic growth opportunities in Washington state. Read our new report and learn about the critical trade and investment relationship between both nations, and what a new deal may mean for trade-reliant Washingtonians. As the single largest foreign investment source […]

International Trade and the Global Pandemic: Impacts of COVID-19 on Washington’s Trade Economy

The WTO Predicts Global Goods Trade Will Decrease by Up to 32% Due to COVID-19. In our newest research, we examine the economic slowdown on Washington state’s top trade partners and its implications for the state’s economy. COVID-19 is hitting Washington’s supply chain, cargo flow through local ports, and suppressing demand on foodservice and agricultural […]

Washington State Digital Trade: Barriers and Opportunities

Today’s digital economy is enabling business and society in ways not previously envisioned. In a relatively short time, computer technology leapt from simply being a productivity tool to becoming an essential and accessible hub of social and commercial interaction. The digital economy is reshaping how Washington State companies connect across borders, creating new ways for […]

Collateral Damage: How Global Disputes are Disrupting Trade in Washington State

The last two years have been tumultuous for trade. Friction between the U.S. and its trading partners has soared, from the contentious negotiations with Canada and Mexico on the USMCA to the ongoing disputes with China. The consequences of these tensions are far-reaching, including for the many workers, companies, and communities in Washington state that […]

How WCIT works

Evaluate

Evaluate and share objective data on the impact of trade policies on the region’s economy.

Educate

Educate our local, state and federal elected officials about the benefits of strong international trade policies and investments to Washington employers and residents.

Engage

Engage diverse stakeholders from across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to drive policy changes that help local businesses succeed in the global marketplace.

Upcoming Events

WCIT Advisory Board Meeting

September 9 @ 1:00 pm

Advisory board members are welcome to join via conference call or Zoom to review WCIT’s policy work in 2021 and discuss advocacy strategy for next quarter. A detailed invitation will…

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The Washington Port System: Gateways to Growth at Home and Opportunities Abroad

U.S.-U.K. Free Trade Agreement: Opportunities and Challenges for Washington State

International Trade and the Global Pandemic: Impacts of COVID-19 on Washington’s Trade Economy

Washington State Digital Trade: Barriers and Opportunities

Collateral Damage: How Global Disputes are Disrupting Trade in Washington State

How WCIT works

Evaluate

Educate

Engage

Upcoming Events

WCIT Advisory Board Meeting

September 9 @ 1:00 pm

News Room

Press Releases

WCIT Annual Trade Summit to highlight critical issues shaping Washington state economy

Press Releases

New report highlights breadth and reach of Washington state ports

Publications

The Washington Port System: Gateways to Growth at Home and Opportunities Abroad

Press Releases

WCIT Digital Trade Statement

Press Releases

Tai Confirmation Vote Statement

WCIT in the News

The Columbian

Shipping Industry’s Woes Hit Washington Hard

The Seattle Times

Washington State Faces Uncertainty as Biden Continues Hard Line on Trade

Seattle Times

The Path to a New China Policy

The Seattle Times

On a Crowded Agenda, Biden Must Make Room for Trade

The Columbian

State Paying the Price of Trump’s Trade Policy

The Lens

Trade Impacts “Mixed Bag” For Agriculture