Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging exemptions of California-made products from retaliatory measures two days after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs that are expected to lead to retaliatory tariffs from “key” United States trading partners.
“I’m pursuing trading relationships with our global partners to combat the pain of Trump’s tariffs and exclude California-made products from retaliation,” Newsom said in a post on X on Friday, April 4. “As the world’s 5th largest economy, California remains open for business — no matter the turbulence in Washington.”
The California governor said he is directing his administration to pursue “new strategic trade relationships with international partners” and calls on long-standing trade partners to exempt California goods from any retaliatory measures in a news release.
In addition to expanding trade, his administration is “to remind our trading partners around the globe that California remains a stable partner,” he said in separate social media post.
TO OUR TRADING PARTNERS AROUND THE GLOBE — California is here and ready to talk.
We will not sit idly by during Trump’s tariff war.
We make up 14% of the US GDP. We’re the 5th largest economy in the world.
We’re not scared to use our market power to fight back against the… pic.twitter.com/yTfbcWW1sO
The announcement was in response to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, Fox News reported, which first learned of Newsom’s plans. On April 2, the president imposed a 10% baseline tariff on goods from about 185 countries and additional duties, USA TODAY reported.
Newsom is directing his administration to explore ways to support creating jobs in industries reliant on cross-border trade, “promote economic stability for businesses and workers impacted by federal trade disruptions” and protect access to “critical supplies” such as construction materials — one of the many goods expected to be affected by tariffs and important in rebuilding following the Los Angeles County wildfires in January, according to the news release.
More: How will President Donald Trump’s tariffs affect California products?
What does California export?
China announced it will impose a reciprocal 34% tariff on all imports from the United States following Trump’s tariffs plan, USA TODAY reported.
China, Canada and Mexico are California’s top three export destinations, buying over one-third of the state’s $183 billion in exported goods last year, according to the news release.
California ranked second among U.S. states and territories in total exports last year, and its top export industries are computer and electronic product manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, chemical manufacturing and crop production, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Gov. Gavin Newsom urges California products be exempted from retaliatory tariffs
Reporting by Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
