California to Negotiate Trade With Other Countries to Bypass Trump Tariffs

[u/sweatycat]

https://www.newsweek.com/california-newsom-trade-trump-tariffs-2055414

[u/UglyMcFugly]

You gotta read between the lines here. Shit like this is the first step... 

"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."

He's making a statement to the world that California is a separate entity, talking about it's separate economy, and starting a direct dialog with foreign countries. This IS a big deal and I'm all for it.

[u/SharkSymphony → u/UglyMcFugly]

I don't think it's that big a deal:

• California's had international name-brand recognition for decades. Nothing new there.
• California's been trumpeting that "fifth largest economy" line for – well, as long as we've been that! – though I'd guess we started the bragging when we cracked the top ten. 😛 Nothing new there.
• California's been wooing international investment and trade for decades. Nothing new there.

So, what's new? I'm not aware that California has ever asked other countries for favorable tax treatment on its exports before – that seems unusual. But in the context of all of the above, I don't think it's out of line.

The one thing I take issue with Newsom on in this statement is his assertion that we can be a reliable trading partner when the US is not. That's just not true, even if it is a nice aspiration. For one thing, the US dictates our import duties, not California. For another, the same instabilities that roil the US as a whole do exist here in California too.

[u/Thirty_Seventh → u/[deleted]]

Notice the quiet rollout of CA’s “Office of Foreign Investment” last month.

Turing test failed. Better luck next time!