California Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly planning to request that foreign countries exempt goods produced in California from retaliatory tariffs placed on the United States. According to a Fox News Digital report published Friday, Newsom’s announcement could be made as soon as this afternoon, local time.

The initiative comes amid heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and various international partners, including China, which have led to the imposition of counter-duties on a range of American exports. California officials are growing increasingly concerned that the state’s major industries, particularly agriculture, could suffer significant losses if foreign tariffs remain in place.

One industry that stands out is California’s almond sector, a major contributor to both the state and national economy. Almond producers are bracing for economic repercussions as foreign markets impose tariffs on U.S. agricultural products in response to recent federal trade measures. The concern is that these retaliatory tariffs could diminish the competitiveness of California almonds abroad, potentially resulting in reduced demand and financial strain for local farmers.

Newsom’s planned appeal underscores a broader effort by state-level leadership to mitigate the impact of global economic disputes on regional economies. While trade negotiations are generally handled at the federal level, California’s proactive step reflects a growing desire by local governments to protect their economic interests in an increasingly uncertain international landscape.

If successful, exemptions from counter-duties could provide relief for affected industries and help maintain California’s strong export performance. However, the effectiveness of such requests will depend on the willingness of foreign governments to accommodate state-specific considerations, something rarely done in the context of national trade policy.

As the situation develops, attention will be focused on how other U.S. states respond to similar threats, and whether California’s approach might inspire broader strategies to safeguard local industries from the fallout of international trade disputes.