Port of Seattle
At the end of this month, the Port of Seattle will close its international office in Japan and end trade promotion contracts in other cities, in effect, closing offices in China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Korea. Charlie Sheldon, Seattle Seaport Director, says the Port will maintain strong relationships overseas and increase its help to local exporters. The Port of Tacoma isn’t convinced. They’re keeping all foreign offices and contracts in place. … Some pro-trade groups in Seattle said the port’s reputation is so good there may be little impact on trade. But they warn cutbacks in state efforts could lead to less foreign investment here and they call that a major worry.