In a series of candid conversations recognized to commemorate #WorldTradeMonth, Governor Gavin Newsom connected with international journalists, emphasizing California's economic prowess and countering the effects of President Trump's tariff policies. In an interview with the BBC's Paddy O'Connell, Newsom lamented the tariffs' impact: "The impacts of these tariffs – the recklessness of these tariffs – are disproportionately felt on the tentpole of the U.S. economy. We're 14% of the U.S. economy, so the success of this country is, in many respects, determined by the success of this state," Governor Newsom told BBC Newsnight, as reported on his official website. The numbers denote a narrative of intertwined fates: over 130,600 jobs in California hinge on British companies, and despite a significant $5 billion in goods exported to the UK last year, UK tourism to California dipped by 22% this March compared to last.
While engaging with Canada's CTV Vassy Kapelos, Newsom criticized President Trump's policies, which have begun to cause what he describes as the 'Trump Slump'. "Forget Trump’s golden age of success. From our ports to our shopping carts to vacation hotspots, the Trump Slump has already begun. American families shouldn’t have to pay for this administration’s chaotic policies," Newsom declared in a statement obtained by CTV. As California fosters a significant economic relationship with Canada, imports and exports with our northern neighbors totaled nearly $34.7 billion in 2024.
Maintaining a focus on stability in international partnerships, Governor Newsom assured Japanese audiences of California's dedicated effort to keep trade ties strong and reliable. While speaking to TV Tokyo’s Yifan Yu, Newsom said, "California is a stable trading partner. When it comes to trade, we come with an open hand, not a clenched fist," as reported by Nikkei. The state's economic dance with Japan is a crucial one, dealing in tens of billions worth of goods annually, underscoring the importance of this bilateral rapport.
Newsom also addressed concerns at TV Azteca, where, with speaking to Lucy Bravo directly affected by the tariffs, he highlighted California's massive economy and its place in the world order. "California is now the fourth largest economy in the world. No state has been more affected by these tariffs than California. The effects are being felt in real time. We are seeing reductions in cargo at our entry ports," shared Newsom, according to an interview with TV Azteca’s Lucy Bravo. The Golden State’s economic engagement with Mexico is of pivotal importance as it's the largest export market, recording $33.5 billion in exports in 2024.
Further cementing California's position on the global stage, Newsom communicated with South Korea through an exchange with MBC News Desk's Yoonsoo Park, advocating for shared prosperity and mutual success. He contended that economic progress should not be a competition but rather a collaborative endeavor: "Partnerships, both personally and professionally, are critical to the world we want to build. Your success is our success. This is not a zero-sum game," Newsom stated to MBC News Desk. Supporting nearly 19,000 jobs in California, Korean enterprises are instrumental contributors to the local economy, highlighting the significance of maintaining open lines of commerce.
In a bold move, Newsom has initiated legal actions to counteract the tariff measures put forth by Washington. The recent filing of a preliminary injunction and subsequent lawsuit by California, invoking the president's lack of authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, set the stage for a dozen states to follow suit. These actions reaffirm California’s pledge to its international partners and signal the state's determination to rise above national policy strains that disrupt its global economic relationships.
