The Long Beach Qingdao Association is one of several sister city organizations anchoring the port city of Long Beach. As U.S. tariffs reshape global supply chains, city officials emphasize that decades of interpersonal business relations have become a crucial asset.
With Qingdao on the Chinese mainland as a partner, the association draws on long-standing networks of trust. These connections allow local exporters and importers to share market insights, coordinate logistics, and adjust strategies when policy shifts create uncertainty.
Long Beach leaders say this people-first approach (rooted in in-person meetings, trade delegations and cultural exchanges) helps bridge policy gaps and keeps commerce flowing even in turbulent times. "Our relationships go beyond formal agreements," notes one official. "When tariffs rise, we rely on the trust built over years."
As international trade policies continue to evolve, the Long Beach Qingdao Association's model of personal engagement offers a blueprint for cities worldwide aiming to maintain economic resilience amid shifting regulations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
