JETRO Los Angeles is the West Coast regional office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), a government-affiliated agency under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Located in downtown Los Angeles, JETRO LA serves as a vital hub for strengthening economic and commercial ties between Japan and the western United States. Its mission is to promote mutual trade, foreign direct investment, innovation collaboration, and economic exchange between Japan and the U.S.
Core Services and Offerings
JETRO Los Angeles offers a suite of no-cost and subsidized services to Japanese and American businesses aiming to expand internationally. These include:
Business Support Services
- Market Entry Consultation: Guidance for Japanese SMEs entering the U.S. market and American companies looking to establish operations in Japan.
- Trade Fair Assistance: Coordination and sponsorship of Japanese company participation in major U.S. trade shows such as Natural Products Expo West, CES, and SIAL America.
- Investment Promotion: Strategic support for U.S. firms considering entry or expansion into the Japanese market through investment incentives and location scouting.
Information Services
- Market Research: Access to industry-specific whitepapers, legal compliance guidelines, and consumer trends.
- Economic Reports: Periodic analysis of Japan-U.S. trade flows, regulatory updates, and sector growth forecasts.
- Publications and Databases: Access to JETRO’s global database of Japanese companies and products.
Networking and Events
- Business Matching Programs: Curated B2B meetings between Japanese suppliers and U.S. buyers or technology partners.
- Seminars and Webinars: Educational events featuring experts in international law, logistics, import/export compliance, and startup ecosystems.
- Delegation Hosting: Arrangements for regional delegations, government agencies, and business missions.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
JETRO Los Angeles is uniquely positioned as a government-backed facilitator with in-depth bilateral insights and broad network access. Its key value propositions include:
- Neutral advisory services grounded in public-sector neutrality
- Wide industry reach, from food and agriculture to medtech, energy, fintech, and consumer goods
- Government-to-government (G2G) diplomacy, enabling engagement at both private and institutional levels
- Support for innovation ecosystems, especially linking Japanese startups with U.S. VCs, accelerators, and academic institutions
JETRO LA is especially active in supporting Japan’s digital transformation (DX), green transformation (GX), and startup globalization goals.
Regional and Economic Impact
- Supports hundreds of business consultations annually involving trade, investment, and joint ventures.
- Played a key role in facilitating Japanese food and beverage entry into Southern California’s growing Asian grocery and restaurant sectors.
- Hosts over 40 in-person and virtual events per year, including pitch nights, trade expos, and investment promotion forums.
- Directly supports Japan’s inward FDI goals with U.S. firms in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and IT.
JETRO Los Angeles is one of several U.S.-based offices including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston, contributing to JETRO's global presence in over 70 cities worldwide.
Target Audience
JETRO LA serves a diverse clientele including:
- Japanese SMEs and manufacturers aiming to enter the U.S. market
- American importers, retailers, and wholesalers sourcing from Japan
- Startups and VCs seeking innovation collaboration
- Municipal and state economic development agencies
- Universities and research centers exploring Japan-U.S. tech partnerships
Organizational Infrastructure
- Staffed by bilingual trade professionals and analysts
- Works in coordination with the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles
- Connected to Japan’s JETRO Tokyo HQ, enabling streamlined communication and policy alignment
- Physical office space in Los Angeles supports in-person consulting and visiting delegations
Notable Engagements
- Startup Japan Pavilion at CES Las Vegas: Showcased over 50 Japanese emerging technology firms in partnership with JETRO.
- Natural Products Expo West: Ongoing support for Japan’s natural and functional food brands seeking U.S. retail access.
- Webinar Series: Covering FDA regulations, customs procedures, ecommerce localization, and more.
Contact Details
- Phone: +1-213-624-8855
- Website: JETRO Los Angeles
Digital and Social Presence
- Instagram: @jetro_usa
- LinkedIn: JETRO USA
Future Outlook
With increasing demand for sustainable products, Japanese digital startups, and resilient supply chain diversification, JETRO Los Angeles is expected to play an even greater role in connecting Japan’s innovation ecosystem with the dynamic U.S. West Coast business landscape. The office continues to adapt its programs to support post-COVID recovery, global decarbonization, and the rise of digital globalization.
JETRO Los Angeles remains a vital channel for enhancing mutual economic growth, technological exchange, and cultural understanding between Japan and the United States.
