New Hampshire Seeks to Strengthen Canadian Trade Ties Amid Ongoing Trade War

Strategic Insights -

As President Donald Trump's administration continues to push for aggressive trade policies, New Hampshire officials are attempting to boost business ties with Canada, one of the state's top export markets. Despite a 42.6% drop in exports to Canada as of June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, the state's leaders are hosting a trade mission in September, which will bring together politicians, business leaders, and Canadian and American companies.

The event, which includes a bus tour to Nova Scotia and a reception in Quebec City, aims to reassure businesses that the Granite State remains open for trade. The efforts come as New Hampshire's economy has shown signs of being affected by the trade war between Washington and Ottawa, with the state's exports to Canada down significantly. However, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent pledge to remove most counter-tariffs by September 1 offers a glimmer of hope for New Hampshire businesses.

Key Takeaways:

  • New Hampshire's exports to Canada have dropped 42.6% as of June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Bureau.
  • The state has launched a trade mission in September to strengthen Canadian trade ties, featuring a bus tour to Nova Scotia and a reception in Quebec City.
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to remove most retaliatory tariffs on American goods by September 1.
  • New Hampshire's economy has shown signs of being affected by the trade war between Washington and Ottawa, with exports to Canada down significantly.
  • The state's Department of Business and Economic Affairs has been helping businesses affected by the tariffs to find mitigating measures, such as alternative sources for materials.
  • The new worry is the U.S. executive order ending the "de minimus" tariff exception for U.S. imports, which could lead to Canadian retaliatory tariffs.
  • The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) protects a swath of products from tariffs, including agriculture, automobile products, textiles, machinery, and digital products.
  • Despite the drop in exports to Canada, some New Hampshire businesses are optimistic about maintaining their relationships with Canadian companies.
  • The number of tourists visiting New Hampshire from Canada has dropped around 30% this year, with BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell citing animosity toward the United States as a contributing factor.

Statistics:

  • New Hampshire's exports to Canada as of June 2025: 42.6% lower than the same period in 2024 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Bureau)
  • Total value of New Hampshire's exports to Canada in 2024: $1.2 billion (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce)
  • Value of New Hampshire's exports to Canada as of June 2025: approximately $400 million (Source: U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Bureau)
  • Number of tourists visiting New Hampshire from Canada: down 30% this year (Source: BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell)
  • Value of goods coming into the U.S. worth $800 or less: exempt from tariffs until September 1 (Source: U.S. executive order)
  • Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's promise to remove most counter-tariffs by September 1 (Source: Canadian Prime Minister's statement)

Sources:

  • Ethan DeWitt | New Hampshire Bulletin (Photo)
  • U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Bureau
  • U.S. Department of Commerce
  • New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council
  • Sen. Tim McGough
  • Department of Business and Economic Affairs
  • Québec's delegate to New England, René Sylvestre
  • Canadian Consul General for New England, Bernadette Jordan
  • New Hampshire House
  • U.S. executive order