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The latest news and updates from the California Business Roundtable. Sign up to receive updates straight to your inbox at [email protected].
ZEV Mandates Still Threaten California Consumers Regardless of Court Challenges
CBRT launches The California Brief Substack to provide a deep dive into policies, regulations, and legal challenges that drive up the cost of living and doing business in California...
Amid chatter about proposals to increase business taxes, we support Governor Newsom’s ongoing commitment to opposing general tax increases throughout his time in office.
- 06/04/2025
In 2021, Governor Newsom stood before Californians announcing a $75 billion budget surplus. Four years later, the state faces a $12 billion deficit.
- 05/14/2025
Yesterday, the Orange County Register published an op-ed by Rob Lapsley, President of the California Business Roundtable, and Jeffrey Ball, president and CEO of the Orange County Business Council
- 04/29/2025
California’s leading business organizations that make up the Goods Movement Alliance underscored the vital role of the trade.
- 04/22/2025
California's economic and jobs recovery data raises red flags for the business community.
- 03/20/2025
Broad-based business community support Insurance Commissioner Lara's ongoing commitment to his sustainable insurance strategy following devastating Los Angeles area fires.
- 03/10/2025
Latest News from the Center for Jobs
Latest on what is driving California’s economy, job growth, and other key indicators. Get updates straight to your inbox at [email protected].
Special Report: California Becomes 4th Largest Economy as Japan’s Economy Slowed in 2024
In the latest data from International Monetary Fund (IMF), California—if it was treated as a separate economy—moved from 5th largest in the world to 4th largest as Japan’s economy contracted. However, Japan is projected to resume growth at 4% in 2025, while India is projected to continue moving up the ranks with 7% growth....
The trade statistics in May once again reflect more shifts in policy around tariffs rather than economic fundamentals.
- 07/04/2025
In the latest data from International Monetary Fund (IMF), California—if it was treated as a separate economy—moved from 5th largest in the world to 4th largest as Japan’s economy contracted. However, Japan is projected to resume growth at 4% in 2025, while India is projected to continue moving up the ranks with 7% growth.
- 04/22/2025
In July, California average residential electricity jumped to 10th highest among the contiguous states, compared to 9th lowest in 2010. Electricity rates across all three primary end users as well as the cost of fuels remained the highest in the contiguous states.
- 10/11/2024
The August trade data again showed strong results for California and its ports as shippers continued to surge activity ahead of pending tariffs and the then-threatened East/Gulf labor actions. Origin exports rose 9.9% in nominal terms compared to prior year. Total trade activity through the state’s ports was up 13.6%, with the strongest gains in imports.
- 10/08/2024
California’s Real GDP grew by 2.8% in the second quarter (annualized change from the previous quarter), just below the 3.0% growth for the US overall and 27th highest among the states.
- 09/30/2024
The August numbers were positive but at relatively modest levels. Although revisions to the July numbers show stronger growth that month, nonfarm wage and salary jobs grew by only 6,800 in August, the 8th highest level among the states. Employment gains were 8,700.
- 09/23/2024