(The Center Square) – When it comes to tariffs, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is trying to distance himself from President Donald Trump.
The governor Friday announced he is asking the state’s longtime international trade partners to exempt California-made products from retaliatory measures as his administration pursues new strategic trade relationships
“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 news release.
“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,” Newsom said. “California is not Washington, D.C.”
In a video posted on X, Newsom said Trump’s tariffs don’t represent all Americans. Saying he was speaking on behalf of Californians, Newsom said the state values stable trading relationships around the world.
The White House responded Friday.
“Gavin Newsom should focus on out-of-control homelessness, crime, regulations and unaffordability in California instead of trying his hand at international dealmaking,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai told Fox News Digital and other media.
Trump’s plan, announced Wednesday, creates a 10% tariff for every nation and steeper rates for countries that the president believes have unfair relationships with the U.S.
States’ power on trade is limited by Article I, Section 10, Clause I of the U.S. Constitution and Section 8 of the same article. Those sections give that power to the federal government. Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises. Newsom and other governors don’t have the power to remove or impose tariffs.
Newsom has signed 38 international agreements with 28 foreign partners, the Governor’s Office said.
Newsom Friday said he’s seeking collaborative trade opportunities that protect California’s workers, manufacturers and businesses. He said he wants to promote the creation of jobs, economic stability and access to critical supplies such as construction materials needed to rebuild the Los Angeles area after January’s devastating fires.
More than 40% of California’s imports come from Mexico, Canada and China, according to the Governor’s Office. Together they make up $203 billion of the more than $491 billion goods that California imported in 2024.
Mexico, Canada and China are California’s top three export destinations, the Governor’s Office said. The nations buy almost $67 billion in California exports, which is more than one-third of the state’s $183 billion in exported goods in 2024.
Almonds are the most valuable food export from California, with $4.7 billion in foreign sales in 2022, the California Department of Food and Agriculture reported.
