Gavin Christopher Newsom, governor of California, applause at the groundbreaking for the Liberty Canyon wildlife crossing, signaling the start of construction for the structure over Highway 101 at Agoura Hills on Friday, April 22, 2022. Wildlife Crossing 15
Sacramento, California – California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a bold initiative to counteract the economic impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping import tariffs. In a post on X, Newsom signaled his administration’s intent to forge new trade relationships, telling global partners that “California is here and ready to talk.”
The governor’s statement follows a Fox News report revealing his administration’s push for “strategic” trade relationships with countries retaliating against Trump’s tariffs. Specifically, Newsom is urging these nations to exclude California-made goods from their countermeasures. His efforts come as concerns rise over the potential economic fallout, particularly for California’s almond industry and critical imports such as construction materials needed for wildfire recovery.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed Newsom’s move, arguing that the governor should prioritize California’s issues with homelessness, crime, and high living costs rather than engaging in international trade negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff plan, announced Wednesday, imposes a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports, with significantly higher rates on countries running trade surpluses against the U.S. China faces a 34 percent tariff, while the European Union, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan will see rates between 20 and 32 percent. Mexico and Canada are exempt from the latest round of tariffs but remain subject to the 25 percent levies Trump imposed last month.
The financial markets reacted sharply to Trump’s tariff announcement, with Wall Street experiencing its worst day since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. China swiftly retaliated, enacting a 34 percent tariff on American goods, raising fears of an escalating trade war. Other U.S. allies are also considering retaliatory measures, with the European Union weighing tariffs on American technology giants and the U.K. drafting a list of American products that could face new taxes.
Newsom emphasized that California, as the world’s fifth-largest economy, will act to mitigate these trade disruptions. “To our international partners: As the fifth largest economy in the world, the Golden State will remain a steady, reliable partner for generations to come, no matter the turbulence coming out of Washington,” he stated. “California is not Washington, D.C.”
California has historically leveraged its economic power to challenge federal policies. Former Governor Jerry Brown established international climate agreements despite opposition from the Trump administration. Newsom himself negotiated clean car standards with major automakers during Trump’s first term, asserting California’s authority to set stringent environmental regulations.
With its robust economy, California is a key player in international trade, exporting billions in agricultural products, technology, and manufactured goods. Newsom argues that Trump’s tariffs jeopardize California’s leadership in innovation and economic growth. “We’re not scared to use our market power to fight back against the largest tax hike of our lifetime,” he posted on X.
