The Office of the Governor of the State of Oregon

05/14/2026 | Press release | Archived content

5/14/2026: Celebrate Trade Gala Remarks

Celebrate Trade Gala Remarks

May 14, 2026


Good evening, everyone. What an extraordinary room. And what an important moment to celebrate Oregon's connection to the world.

It is so special to see the diverse array of countries represented here tonight, and I want to give a big thanks to the Oregon Consular Corps for the amazing work they do each year to organize this event and bring us all together to recognize and celebrate the many ways trade drives Oregon's economic vitality .

Oregon is among the most trade-dependent states in the country - driven by products grown and produced by many of the companies right here in this room. It's been quite a year as tariffs have shifted dramatically - sometimes daily. I want to start by thanking each of you for your steadiness in the face of such uncertainty, your adaptability, and your commitment to keep growing right here in Oregon.

Last fall, I led a trade mission to Japan and Korea to reassure our global partners that Oregon was still open for business despite uncertainty in Washington D.C.

During that mission, I heard how strong the Oregon brand is globally, especially for quality food products, sustainability, and innovation. I also heard that Oregon needs to improve the way we engage with new markets. So, I established the Global Trade Desk at Business Oregon so that the state can explore new markets proactively or companies outside the U.S. looking to establish a presence in Oregon have a place to start.

The Global Trade Desk is open to work with businesses at every stage of their exporting or investment journey.

Here in Oregon, our agricultural trade sits at the very heart of our statewide prosperity, and the broader, cultural history of our region. Our story began with generations of Indigenous stewardship, fishing cultivation, and care for this land and its waterways: knowledge and traditions that continue to shape Oregon's working lands today.

And working we are. From grass seed to Christmas trees, to hazelnuts and hops - what we grow in Oregon is in demand the world over and supports working families in every part of our state. Behind every harvest and every export are thousands of hardworking Oregonians: field workers, processors, drivers, dock workers, warehouse teams, and others whose labor helps connect Oregonians across geography, industry, and culture with international markets.


In 2025, Oregon exported nearly two and a half billion dollars in food and agricultural products.

Oregon's agricultural diversity is its strength. Oregon produces more than 220 commodities, many of which rank among the top in US production.

Few places in the world combine this level of agricultural diversity with the global access we have.


We simply cannot take these advantages for granted in an increasingly competitive global economy. Maintaining our competitive edge means making investments in our infrastructure and taking bold steps to strengthen our business climate.

I'm proud of the investment the State of Oregon made in keeping container service open at Terminal 6 and look forward to its continued growth.


And I'm proud of the work the Prosperity Council is doing to hear from thousands of Oregonians and shape recommendations that will become our roadmap for continued economic prosperity.

For tonight's awardees: you've earned this moment.

It's businesses like yours that create the opportunities that make Oregon such a special place.

And to the future leaders here with us tonight who are receiving Oregon Consular Corps scholarships, I know you will carry forward the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit that drives so many in this room and is so foundational to Oregon's trade success.


None of Oregon's trade success happens on its own. What we are celebrating tonight is bigger than just exports. It's Oregon ingenuity, Oregon relationships, and Oregon people and products competing successfully on a global stage. That's what makes our traded sector so special.
The Office of the Governor of the State of Oregon published this content on May 14, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 12, 2026 at 23:14 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]