California crowned as world's 4th largest economy surpassing Japan

California becomes fourth largest global economy as it passes Japan in the latest rankings

California joins leading global economies after overtaking Japan
California joins leading global economies after overtaking Japan

California's economy has been ranked the fourth largest global economy as it surpassed Japan.

As reported by BBC, on Thursday, April 24, Governor Gavin Newsom publicised new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the US Bureau of Economic Analysis showing California's growth.

The data showed California's gross domestic product (GDP) reached $4.10 trillion in 2024, overtaking Japan, which was marked at $4.01 trillion.

Additionally, the state now only falls behind Germany, China, and the US as a whole.

While sharing the delightful news, Newsom said, "California isn't just keeping pace with the world – we're setting the pace."

California: The leading contributor to US economy

California, with the population of around 40 million people, leads the country's largest manufacturing and agricultural production.

The state is also home to technological innovation, two largest seaports, as is considered the centre of the world's entertainment industry.

California has outperformed the world's top economics with a growth rate of 6% last year.

Furthermore, the golden state is a major contributor to the national economy as the money it sends to the federal government exceeds, what it receives in federal funding by $83 billion.

The new rankings comes six years after California surpassed the United Kingdom and became the world's fifth largest economy.

California and President Donald Trump's tariffs

Newson also shared that President Donald Trump new policies and tariffs could but the growing economy in danger.

Last week California became the first state to sue the federal government over Trump's tariff policies, claiming that the president's actions are unlawful.

During the press conference announcing the lawsuit, Newsom noted, "No state is poised to lose more than the state of California."

Why Japan's economy is lagging behind

Japan's economy has been facing severe pressure due to its decreasing and ageing population.

The increase in elderly population has downsized the workforce, while social care cost, including healthcare, elderly care, are skyrocketing.

Discover world’s most dangerous island closed to everyone except scientists
Discover world’s most dangerous island closed to everyone except scientists
This island is so dangerous that the government has completely banned people from visiting it
PSG's historic win sparks chaos: 2 dead, hundreds arrested in France
PSG's historic win sparks chaos: 2 dead, hundreds arrested in France
PSG Champions League celebrations turn deadly after two killed and hundreds injured
Bridges collapse in Russia: Death toll rises to 7 as train derails
Bridges collapse in Russia: Death toll rises to 7 as train derails
Two bridges in Russian regions bordering Ukraine collapsed, injuring at least 30
Miss World 2025: Opal Suchata Chuangsri wins Thailand's first-ever title
Miss World 2025: Opal Suchata Chuangsri wins Thailand's first-ever title
Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri makes history with first-ever Miss World crown for the country
Elon Musk ally Jared Isaacman loses NASA bid in Trump’s surprise move
Elon Musk ally Jared Isaacman loses NASA bid in Trump’s surprise move
Donald Trump withdraws Elon Musk’s ally Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA ahead of vote
Nigeria floods worsened by climate change, death toll rises to 150
Nigeria floods worsened by climate change, death toll rises to 150
The heavy floodwaters damaged roads and bridges and covered buildings almost entirely underwater
Small aircraft crashes into house in western Germany, two dead
Small aircraft crashes into house in western Germany, two dead
A plane was about to land when it crashed around midday in a town named Korschenbroich
Miracle surgery saves seven-year-old boy after 8cm nail enters brain
Miracle surgery saves seven-year-old boy after 8cm nail enters brain
The surgery was so impressive yet complex that it might be written about in an international medical journal
Shell Grotto Margate: Discover UK’s 'mysterious' underground seashell cave
Shell Grotto Margate: Discover UK’s 'mysterious' underground seashell cave
This cave is completely decorated with around 4.6 million seashells forming beautiful designs
France ban on smoking leaves netizens in stitches: 'another French revolution?'
France ban on smoking leaves netizens in stitches: 'another French revolution?'
France is gearing for a complete cigarettes ban in public spaces amid public health concerns
Nigeria floods claim 115 lives, death toll to rise as rescue effort continues
Nigeria floods claim 115 lives, death toll to rise as rescue effort continues
Flood in Nigeria caused devastating aftermaths as outrages number of resident forced to flee their homes
Beekeepers rush to rescue after hives spill after crash in Washington
Beekeepers rush to rescue after hives spill after crash in Washington
Around 250 million bees escaped a semi-truck after it was overturned near the Washington-Canada border