President George H. W. Bush; Siva Yam, President; Prescott s. Bush, Jr., Founder and Chairman 1993-2003
The Hon. Haley Barbour, Former Governor of Mississippi, spoke at US-China-Japan Automotive Conference and was high level delegation from China
At the invitation of President George W. Bush, USCCC led a delegation to the White House to honor the visit of His Excellency Wen Jiabao, former Premier from China.
President George H. W. Bush; Siva Yam, President; Prescott s. Bush, Jr., Founder and Chairman 1993-2003
Founded in 1993 in St. Louis by Prescott Sheldon Bush, Jr., the United States of America-China Chamber of Commerce (USCCC) has evolved into a well-recognized, bi-national membership organization with representation in major cities both in the U.S. and in The Greater China Region. Its mission is to promote understanding and friendship among the peoples of the U.S., China, and other emerging countries through increased investment and trade. It is known for its 100% focus on business and its impartiality and integrity. In the last 30 years, USCCC has helped thousands of U.S. companies and executives in understanding and navigating the dynamics of international business to stay competitive. It has also provided hundreds of young talents with real world experience and on the job training through its internship and volunteer programs in both the U.S., China, and Vietnam. Over 10,000 companies maintain regular dialog with USCCC. 95% of them are U.S. corporations, primarily small to medium sized private enterprises in manufacturing. The organization receives no funding from any government. USCCC has built an extensive network and partnership strategically with an emphasis on local and personal contact. It is launching its representative offices in Chengdu and Hong Kong in fall 2026 to foster business exchange and capital flows for collaboration on non-sensitive emerging technologies including healthcare, robots, AI, gaming, social media, and eCommerce.
Upcoming Events
New Sub-Committees
Manufacturing Leadership Council
The Manufacturing Sub-Committee is led by Donald W. Hall and Jon R Tabor.
Don is the Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President Finance for Zippo Manufacturing Company and all of its subsidiaries to include W. R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and Northern Lights Enterprise, Inc. the world most well-known brand that has sold over 600 million lighters.
Jon is Chairman of Allied Mineral Products, LLC, a global manufacturer of monolithic refractories and shapes for molten metal and heat containment industries that has thirteen manufacturing plants in eight countries with employees in 25 countries serving customers in more than 125 countries.
"I am humbled that both Don and Jon have agreed to take the leadership roles to build a strong and vast platform for business owners and professionals to foster better understanding between the peoples of the United States and other countries through trade and investment. Manufacturing is the heart of any economy, and positive business relationship is the single most crucial element in this regard." said Siva Yam, President.
USCCC is in the process of forming the first "Steering Committee." Members need to be USCCC members and preferably in the manufactuirng sector. Please contact Siva Yam at sivayam@usccc.org or 312-368-9030 if you are interested in joining the Manufacturing Leadership Committee.
Life Science
The Life Science Sub-Committee will be co-led by Thomas Forest Farb-Horch and Dr. Jabali Wells. Tom is CEO and Co-Founder of Boston-based Thrive Bioscience. Tom has had seven unicorns (company value of $1 billion or greater), primarily in the fields of artificial intelligence and life sciences. In total, he has started 18 companies and has served on numerous publicly traded tech and life science companies. Jabali is a private equity professional and global healthcare executive with more than 20 years of combined investment, management, policy and clinical medicine experience. He currently serves as Founding Managing Partner and of Blackpoll Capital Partners, LLC, a private equity firm that invests in middle market healthcare companies located throughout the U.S. and Latin America. Appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, he currently serves on the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum.
For more information, please contact Siva Yam at 312-368-9030.
Re-Positioning of USCCC
USCCC, which was founded by the Prescott Sheldon Bush, Jr. 30 years ago with the mission dedicated to developing increased U.S.-China trade and investment activities, has recently been repositioned to reflect the fundamental changes in the international economic environment. USCCC will be repositioned to directly engage companies and professionals commercially to conduct successful cross border business activities . We are expanding our network, better managing our database, proactively identifying opportunities, and aligning resources more effectively and efficiently.
As part of our repositioning, we have recently formed a new Board of Directors to provide stronger leadership and resources. We will continue to add members to our Board diligently. In addition, we have established the first Advisory Board and are in the process of setting up subcommittees with specific missions to facilitate trade and investment in targeted segments.
We are honored that the some of the most senior and experienced business leaders have accepted our invitations to serve on our Board of Directors and Advisory Board. USCCC will continue to build its boards and form new committees to better serve its members and the community in the new digital era.
Special Announcements
Trade Mission to China
Spring 2027
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce is planning to lead a Trade Mission to China to co-host international conference with a focus on (1) manufacturing and trade; and (2) investment and technologies. Cities to be visited will include Hong Kong/Shenzhen; Chongqing/Chengdu; and Hangzhou/Shanghai.
The purposes are: (1) meet and network with manufacturers, tech companies, venture capitalists, and family offices. (2) develop firsthand insight on the current state of China, particularly in the areas of emerging manufacturing and logistics technologies, robots, drones, artificial intelligence, driverless technology, and appetites of investors and families.
Activities will include visiting local government and business leaders, hosting international conferences and network sessions. On select occasions, USCCC delegates will have the opportunity to host and speak at international business conferences.
The Trade Mission is being finalized. Additional information will become available. Please contact Siva Yam at sivayam@usccc.org if you are interested.
25th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference
“Navigating the New Trade Architecture”
Tariffs, Supply Chain Shift, the Future of
Global Manufacturing Competitiveness
and Consumer Markets
Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23
Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.
Please save the dates. Agenda and Registration Materials will become available about July 15.
Union League Club of Chicago
65 West Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, Illinois
Agenda, List of Speakers, and Registration Will Become Available Shortly.
Please contact Mai Hoang at (312) 368-9029 or maihoang@usccc.org if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, attending or speaking opportunities.
Please be sure to stay on our mailing list for newsletters, upcoming events including International Traveling Requirements, Trade Mission, Match Making Investment Forum, Seminars and Webinars, Networking Reception.
United States of America-China Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Juan Gonzalez is Chairman and CEO of GRUMA Corporation and Mission Foods. With 75 plants around the world, including China, and sales in over 110 countries, GRUMA/Mission Foods is the world’s largest and most recognizable tortilla, wraps and corn masa flour producer. The Gonzalez family also owns the largest bank in Mexico. Mr. Gonzalez has been a director since 2001.
Donald W. Hall is Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Zippo Manufacturing Company and all of its subsidiaries, which include W. R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company and Northern Lights Enterprise, Inc. Zippo is one of the most recognized brands in the world, and has produced more than 600 million windproof lighters, each backed by an unparalleled lifetime guarantee. He is based in Pennsylvania.
Robert Kraft is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of FirstPathway Partners. FirstPathway Partners has helped foreign investors become United States citizens through immigrant investor programs since 2008. FirstPathway Partners has assisted hundreds of immigrant investors from over 40 countries around the world, raising millions of dollars for job-creating enterprises, and creating thousands of jobs for US workers.
Eric Rock, Esq. is Managing Partner and Founder of Rock Trade Law, LLC that concentrates on customs and international trade matters. He has over 25 years of experience representing clients in all facets of import and export compliance. He is based in Chicago.
Jon R. Tabor is Chairman, Allied Mineral Products, LLC, a global manufacturer of monolithic refractories and shapes for molten metal and heat containment industries that has thirteen manufacturing plants in eight countries with employees in 25 countries serving customers in more than 125 countries. He is based in Ohio.
Bing Xiang is Founder and CEO of Bossbolo Software in Chengdu. Bossbolo is a technology company specializing in healthcare supply chain solutions, government procurement systems, and enterprise digital transformation. The company builds and supports the operations and technical services of the Sichuan Provincial Drug and Medical Consumables Procurement Platform. He is based in Chengdu, China. He has been invited and nominated to the Board.
Siva Yam, CPA, CFA is President of U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (USCCC). He is an investment banker and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and private placements of securities. Mr. Yam has previously served on the Advisory Board of The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He is based in Chicago.
Yi Zhang is Principal of Plante Moran and leader of the firm’s international consulting team. Plante Moran is one of the largest public accounting firms in the United States and has offices worldwide. He is based in Chicago. He has been invited and nominated to the Board.
23rd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference
USCCC held its 23rd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference at the Union League Club of Chicago on September 12 and 13. Over 100 business owners and senior corporate executives and over 20 notable speakers participated in this extraordinary event. The conference covered a wide range of topics that were timely and relevant to decision making.
Mr. Juan González, CEO and Chairman of Board of GRUMA (Mission Foods), and Director of the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce for over 20 years, is being honored as the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award for dedicated services to strengthening and promoting understanding among the peoples of the United States, China, and Mexico.
GRUMA is a Mexican multinational corn masa flour, tortilla, wraps, snacks, and flatbread manufacturing company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. Its brand names include Mission, Maseca, and Guerrero. With 75 plants around the world, including China, and sales in over 110 countries, GRUMA is the world’s largest and most recognizable tortilla, wraps and corn masa flour producer.
Mr. González holds an MBA from the University of San Diego. Being highly regarded as one of the most successful business leaders in Mexico, he was instrumental in the startup and success of GRUMA in the United States, where it currently operates 27 plants. [Read More]
137th CANTON FAIR INFORMATION SESSION AND NETWORKING RECEPTION
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
In-Person – By Invitation Only
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce (“USCCC “) and China Foreign Trade Centre hosted the “137th Canton Fair Information Session and Networking Reception” on Thursday, at Kimpton Hotel – The Journeyman in Milwaukee.
Over 35 invited guests attended this special event, and Lucia Li, from Canton Fair joined in via zoom. [Read More]
Manufacturing Leadership Council
Roundtable Discussion:
Trade Policy and Tariffs
Proceedings Are Available
Second Roundtable Discussion: Trade Policy and Tariffs
Zoom Meeting – Thursday, April 17, 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
First Roundtable Discussion: Trade Policy and Tariffs
Zoom Meeting – Thursday, February 27, 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Third Roundtable Discussion: Trade Policy and Tariffs
Zoom Meeting – Thursday, June 19, 8:00 A.M. – 9:30 A.M. CST
Please send an email to
Over 30 business owners and executives in the manufacturing industry actively participated in these vivid discussions. Proceedings prepared by Paul Nash, Ph.D. are available upon requests.
24th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference
The 24th Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference was successfully held on October 16 and 17 in Chicago. 20 speakers were featured, and over 80 business owners, CEOs, presidents, CFOs, COOs, directors of global sourcing and operations attended. This highly interactive event addressed many issues beyond trade, and a focus on decision making taking into consideration the ROI on trade policy, automation, investment in AI, inshore manufacturing, and among others were discussed. Dr. Paul Nash, Director of Communication of USCCC will summarize select sessions. Proceedinhd will be available shortly. Please send us a note if you would like to be on the mailing list to subscribe@usccc.org.
22nd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference Another Success and Lou Longo, Engagement Partner Honored
USCCC is pleased that its 22nd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference that was held on July 13 and 14 was another success. During the luncheon, Lou Longo, CPA, Lead Consulting Partner, Global Service at Plante Moran and a Director of USCCC, was recognized for his leadership and his contribution to U.S.-China business. Lou, a true professional with a passion for humanitarian missions that support malnourished people in underdeveloped countries, is the leader of Plante Moran’s international team. His commitment to his clients’ best interest has earned his team an AICPA Practice Innovation Award. He is also a strong advocate for racial and gender equity, and despite a very busy international travel schedule, he serves as Plante Moran’s chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, and he was featured on Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2023 list of Notable Leaders in DEI.
About 100 business owners and corporate executives attended the conference and shared their experiences. 90% of them are principal owners, CEOs, COOs, CFOs, director of global sourcing, marketing. Over 25 practitioners with in-depth experience spoke at this extraordinary event. The Honorable Zhao Jian, Consul General of PRC in Chicago delivered a morning keynote speech. This annual event addressed many timely issues that were critical in making informed decisions in today's dynamic and unpredictable business environment. 23rd Annual U.S.-China Trade Conference on September 12 and 13 in Chicago. Please save the date. Selected conference materials for past events will be posted shortly.
Please note that both the video and PowerPoint presentation are copyrighted. Please contact Siva Yam at sivayam@usccc.org or 312-368-9030 if you have any questions.
China Digital Arrival Card System
Required for all foreign travelers entering China except for seven specific exempt groups
On November 20, 2025, China launched a Digital Arrival Card system (DAC) to replace paper arrival card for all foreign travelers except for seven specific exempt groups. Under the new system, you complete the arrival card digitally on your mobile device or your computer and receive a QR code receipt before your arrival. You will then provide the QR code receipt to the immigration officer to complete the immigration and customs process ... [Read More]
Travel News Update
Changes in Chinese Visa Application Process
Effective October 5, 2025
There are certain newly implemented steps that may potentially require additional processing time and documents.
The New Changes Are as Follows:
-
You must create an online account to start the application process.
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The application form must be completed and submitted online as in the past.
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All the required materials must be legibly scanned and uploaded.
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The Chinese consular service will review your application. You will be informed of the status via email. If your application has been approved, you submit the application along with your passport(s) or use a third party such as USCCC unless fingerprinting is required ... [Read More]
U.S. Passport Processing Service
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce continues to provide hand carry courier service
To renew a passport, the passport must be undamaged, issued when you were 16 years old or older, issued within the last 15 years, and issued with your current name. If your passport does not meet the passport renewal requirements, then you must apply for a new passport.
Vietnam Visa Special Services
In cooperation with its sister organization, U.S.-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and the Vietnam Government, USCCC is offering same day, emergency, and 5-day regular service without invitation letter. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, USCCC CAN HELP TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS IF IT IS BEING HELD UP AND CAN ARRANGE CONCIERGE SERVICE AT THE ARRIVING AIRPORT TO PROVIDE PERSONAL ASSISTANCE. Please contact Mai Hoang at maihoang@usccc.org or 312-368-9029.
Past Events and Transcripts
“US–China Trade Reset Post Summit:
How to Navigate Selective Decoupling and Mitigate Risks.”
Tuesday, June 9, 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM – Webinar Via Zoom
Following the visit of President Trump to China, businesses face a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by tariff recalibrations, tightened export control, supply chain realignments, and sector specific decoupling pressure. At the same time, the bilateral dynamic is transitioning into a phase focused on de-conflicting and stabilization.
This session analyzed on what the post summit environment means for importers, exporters, manufacturers, marketers, and investors.
Dr. Craig VanGrasstek, a leading trade policy expert and best-selling author offered a strategic analysis of the new trade reset and its implications for 2026 and beyond. As a longtime Harvard Kennedy School lecturer, he teaches trade policy to senior officials and executives worldwide. His work spans 50+ countries, covering trade negotiations, WTO governance, and global economic strategy. He authored the official WTO history (2013) and the influential Trade and American Leadership (Cambridge University Press, 2019).
The discussion was moderated by Siva Yam, President of the U.S.–China Chamber of Commerce.
U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce
Hosted Chinese New Year Dinner To
Celebrate The Arrival of the Fire Horse
USCCC) hosted its 29th Annual Chinese New Year dinner on February 26, 2026, at the Phoenix Restaurant in Chicago’s Chinatown to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. This annual event brought together business executives and government officials from different nations, cultures, and businesses. It was a special occasion for fostering friendships, building business connections, and ushering in a new year of optimism and opportunity.
Stephen Stahr, Eric Rock, and Ramiro Martinez, who flew in from Mexico on behalf of Juan Gonzalez, represented the USCCC Board. Ambassador Wang Baodong, Consul General, Wang Lixin, Councilor and Wang Xinyu, Vice Consul of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago also participated, and they were joined by representatives from Malaysian Investment Development Authority.
Ambassador Wang Baodong commented on the US-China relations, and Stephen Stahr gave a keynote remark on "Opportunities in the Asian Market
From the Financial Services Industry Perspective" The transcript is available for download below. Zippo contributed lighters for drawings.
United States of America-China Chamber of Commerce
Has Moved to a New Home
New Address
134 North La Salle Street, Suite 2038
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Telephone: 312-368-9911; Facsimile: 312-368-9922; eMail: info@usccc.org; Website: www.usccc.org