Below are highlights from the recently released trade data from the US Census Bureau and US Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data reflects the annual revision process, with the trade data revised beginning in 2021. To view additional data and analysis related to the California economy visit our website at www.centerforjobs.org/ca.
Total trade through the state’s ports remained strong in April, with trade levels in the first 4 months of the year at their highest measured in both nominal and real terms. California’s share of total US goods trade (on a 12-month moving average basis) rose for the 4th month in a row to 16.92%, still well below the state’s historic peaks but the highest since January 2022.
State origin exports were off $1.2 billion (-6.7%) compared to the prior month, but were up $1.2 billion (7.7%) compared to the same month in 2025. Destination imports were little changed over the month (down $0.6 billion (-1.3%)) but were up sharply ($4.4 billion (11.5%)) compared to April 2025.
Trade price levels rose higher. Import prices (all goods) were up 27.9% on an annualized basis for the month and 4.3% for the year. Reflecting the growing importance of energy exports by other states, export prices (all goods) were substantially higher, at 47.6% on an annualized basis for the month and 8.8% over the year.
Removing the more volatile energy component, import prices for other goods showed substantially more moderation, rising 2.9% over the year.
California Goods Exports
in Exports
Total California origin goods exports were up $1.2 billion from April 2025 (up 7.7%). California remained in 2nd place with 8.31% of all US goods exports (12 month moving total), behind Texas at 20.65%.
California Goods Imports
in Imports
Total California destination goods imports grew $4.4 billion from April 2025 (up 11.5%).
Top 20 Exports, April 2026
Top 20 exports by value are shown below, along with the change from Apr 2025.