Newsom Asks Countries to Exclude California from Retaliatory Tariffs
Governor Gavin Newsom is asking California’s international trade partners to exclude products made in the state from tariffs imposed in retaliation to the Trump administration’s 10% global tariff and country-specific “reciprocal tariffs.”
“Donald Trump’s tariffs do not represent all Americans,” Newsom said in a video. “We value international trade. We value our manufacturing base — the largest manufacturing economy in the United States of America. We look forward to continuing to strengthen those ties, strengthen those bonds,” he said. “California is a stable trading partner.”
Newsom emphasized the importance of international trade to California’s economy. “California leads the nation as the #1 state for agriculture and manufacturing — and it’s our workers, families, and farmers who stand to lose the most from this Trump tax hike and trade war,” Newsom said in a statement. “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. California is not Washington, D.C.”
Newsom directed his administration to “identify collaborative opportunities with trading partners that protect California’s economic interests — workers, manufacturers, and businesses — and the broader supply chains linked to the state’s economy.” This includes opportunities to support job creation and innovation in trade-reliant industries, promote economic stability, and “safeguard access” to critical supplies.
Newsom did not temper his message after Trump paused the tariffs on April 9, 2025. “Trump caved. He will change his mind again,” he posted on X. “To our international partners: California is a stable, reliable partner. We want your business.”