美国传统基金会-美国的贸易与繁荣：以加州为例（英）-2021.7-11页_159kb

Trade and Prosperity in the States: The Case of California

Core Content

This document outlines the impact of economic restrictions and trade policies on California's economy, emphasizing the negative consequences of lockdowns and regulations on small businesses, working-class individuals, and international trade. It also highlights the benefits of free trade and the importance of port operations in sustaining jobs and economic activity in the state.

Main Points

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions

• California imposed some of the strictest lockdown measures in the U.S., including a statewide stay-at-home order and closure of non-essential businesses in March 2020, with reimposition in December 2020.
• These restrictions severely curtailed economic activity, leading to financial shortfalls for both individuals and the government.
• Small businesses and working-class people were the most affected, with negative impacts on employment, health, and financial stability.
• California ports were also impacted, hindering international trade that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Economic Benefits of Trade

• Imports play a crucial role in California's economy, with $366 billion in imports arriving annually through California ports.
• Exports also boost the economy, with $174 billion in goods exports in 2019, supporting over 1 million high-paying jobs.
• Service exports contributed $153 billion in 2018, highlighting the diversity of trade sectors.
• Small businesses are a major part of export activity, with 96% of exporters in California being small businesses.
• Agricultural exports amounted to $23.46 billion in 2019, representing 47% of total agricultural output.

California Ports and International Trade

• California has 11 major ports along its 840-mile coastline, with Los Angeles being the busiest port in the U.S..
• The San Pedro Bay Port Complex (Los Angeles and Long Beach) handles over a third of U.S. container imports.
• Supply chain bottlenecks caused by lockdowns and port restrictions led to shipping delays and stagnant trade, with tens of thousands of containers stuck offshore.
• Foreign-owned companies contribute significantly to California's employment and economy, with 18,718 foreign firms employing 730,648 residents in 2019.

Trade-Related Legislation

• PVSA (Passenger Vessel Services Act) and Jones Act are outdated laws that limit competition and increase costs for domestic shipping.
• These laws stifle innovation in the cruise industry and raise shipping costs in California, harming consumers and businesses.
• The PVSA has led to underutilized cruise ports in California, with San Diego seeing 90% vacancy and Ensenada handling more passengers than San Diego.
• The Jones Act restricts foreign vessels from operating in U.S. waters, increasing shipping costs and hindering port modernization.

Political Stance on Trade

• California politicians have shown mixed support for free trade agreements, with vetoed or lukewarm support for some, such as the U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement.
• However, they did support the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with a 44-7 vote.
• Critics of free trade argue that it causes job losses, but data shows no net job loss in California due to international trade.
• Foreign investment has been beneficial to California's economy, with jobs from foreign-owned firms being significant.

Economic Inequality and Policy Barriers

• California's economic inequality is notable, with more than one-third of residents living near the poverty level and a homelessness crisis.
• Restrictive policies like Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and occupational licensing laws limit economic freedom and hinder upward mobility for the working class.
• The Upward Mobility Act of 2021 is limited to civil service jobs and adds new barriers rather than facilitating mobility.

Key Information

• California's strict lockdowns have had a severe impact on the economy and trade.
• Imports and exports are vital to California's economy, supporting millions of jobs and billions in economic activity.
• Outdated trade laws like the PVSA and Jones Act increase costs and limit opportunities.
• Political support for trade is mixed, with some agreements being vetoed or not fully supported.
• Economic inequality and regulatory barriers hinder middle-class growth and limit job opportunities.

Conclusion

The document argues that California's strict economic restrictions and outdated trade laws have negatively impacted the economy and trade, especially for small businesses and the working class. It calls for repealing restrictive policies and facilitating economic freedom to boost prosperity and job security. Free trade is seen as a key solution to heal the economic damage caused by the pandemic and government responses.