Reports indicate that frustrated Canadians are turning away from American products amid President Trump’s trade conflicts.
Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, along with various threats, has disrupted the usual flow of cross-border visits for dining and shopping in the U.S., as highlighted by Bloomberg.
Data from U.S. customs and border security shows that crossings from Canada into the U.S. fell by over 22% in March compared to the previous year.
Point Roberts, a small town in Washington, is facing significant challenges due to this situation.
This town, situated about 20 miles south of Vancouver and bordered by water on three sides, relies heavily on Canadian shoppers for income.
“We can’t survive without Canada. We just can’t,” said Ali Hayton, who runs the main grocery store in Point Roberts, during a discussion about the ongoing crisis.
According to Bloomberg, some shops in the town have started keeping two cash drawers—one for Canadian dollars and another with adjusted exchange rates in hopes of attracting buyers.
In a related area, Peace Arch near Point Roberts, the influx of Canadian traffic dropped by 52% in early April compared to last year.
Hayton remarked that grocery sales plunged by 30% compared to this time last year, compelling stores to reduce their stock orders and lower conversion rates.
Some Canadian shoppers who do still cross the border have expressed surprise at the steep tariffs, often choosing to return items rather than pay the additional fees.
Concerns are mounting for Hayton, who is unsure if she can keep her 17 employees, especially since 80% of her business typically comes from Canadian visitors during the summer months.
“Many people are asking, ‘Why can’t we give Canada some credit?’” she noted. “It feels like we’re all on our own here in Point Roberts.”
Bill Becht, an antique store owner in nearby Blaine who supports Trump, commented that while he sees the president’s threats against Canada as mere rhetoric, he’s acutely aware of the decline in Canadian patronage.
Interestingly, some parcel delivery services in Point Roberts are thriving as Canadians send packages to these U.S. addresses and then travel to the U.S. to collect them.
At least one local business has shut down, reporting a staggering 75% drop in customers from last March, according to the article.
This decline in business mirrors what was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic when borders were closed; however, residents noted that government loans and stimulus assistance were available then.
Tamura Hansen, a dual citizen from British Columbia who operates two restaurants in Point Roberts, expressed concern about her business’s future.
“This place is like a mining town,” she said. “What happens when the mine runs dry?”
Local officials, including Mayor Blaine Mary Lou Starter, reported a significant decline in sales tax revenue for these communities.
Washington state, known for its robust trade, is among the top U.S. producers of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, and sweet cherries.
