I’m just going to say it – California Governor Gavin Newsom is a absolute genius (or maybe just desperate?) for trying to steer his state around President Donald Trump‘s import tariffs. I mean, who needs the federal government when you’ve got a state with a governor who’s all like "Hey, world, California is here and ready to talk…and make some deals, because, you know, Donald Trump is being, well, Donald Trump".
And, let’s be real, California is kind of a big deal – it’s the world’s fifth-largest economy, with over $675 billion in two-way trade. So, when Trump imposes his tariffs, it’s like, a major punch in the gut for the state. I mean, can you imagine if your business was just socked with a 34 percent tax on imports from China, or a 20 percent tax on imports from the European Union? Yeah, it’s like that.
But, Newsom is all, "Hey, don’t worry, we’ve got this." And I’m over here like, "Uh, really? How, exactly?" (You can check out the tariff chart to see just how crazy it is). Anyway, Newsom is directing his administration to "look at new opportunities to expand trade" and "pursue strategic relationships" with countries that are all, "Hey, we’re going to impose retaliatory tariffs on the US." And, honestly, it’s like, a bold move, I suppose.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – "But what about the almond industry?" Well, let me tell you, it’s a big deal. Like, $4.7 billion big. And, if China, India, and the European Union impose retaliatory tariffs, it could cost the industry up to $875 million. That’s, like, a lot of almonds (you can find some almond-related products on Amazon, just saying).
And, it’s not just almonds – avocado prices could rise, California milk prices could increase, and the wine and alcohol industries could face rising costs. Like, what’s next? Trump taxing our Netflix subscriptions? (Just kidding, but seriously, have you seen the prices of wine lately? It’s like, check out these prices).
But, in all seriousness, the tariffs are a big deal, and Newsom is right to be concerned. I mean, the Yale Budget Lab found that the tariffs could drive up inflation by 2.3 percent this year alone, including a 2.8 percent increase in food prices and an 8.4 percent jump in automotive prices. That’s, like, a lot of money (you can read more about the European Union’s response).
And, let’s not forget – Trump is all, "The markets are going to boom. The stock is going to boom, the country is going to boom…" Yeah, sure, because that’s exactly what happened last time he imposed tariffs (just check out the Fox News coverage).
Anyway, Newsom is all, "California is not Washington, D.C." And I’m over here like, "Preach, Gavin, preach." Because, honestly, it’s like, the state is trying to survive in a world where the federal government is just, well, not really helping (you can read more about the California economy).
So, what’s next? Trump‘s tariffs are set to go into effect between April 5 and April 9. And, honestly, it’s like, a waiting game. Will Newsom‘s plan work? Will Trump‘s tariffs actually help the US economy? (Spoiler alert: probably not). But, hey, at least California is trying, right? (You can read more about Donald Trump’s policies).
And, on a completely unrelated note, has anyone tried those new Impossible Whoppers from Burger King? Because, wow, they’re actually really good (you can find some Impossible Whopper-related products on Amazon). Anyway, back to the tariffs… (just kidding, I’m done).