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Tariffs

Trump's Tariff War with Canada Devastating Upstate NY's Economy and Tourism Industry

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The latest data released by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shows a 22% decrease in Canadian border crossings in July 2025 compared to July 2024, with nearly 500,000 fewer travelers crossing the Upstate NY-Canada border. This trend follows a months-long decline since Trump took office, with 2 million fewer travelers over the Upstate NY-Canada border compared to last year. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) is calling for an end to Trump's ill-conceived trade war with Canada, which is having a devastating impact on tourism in New York and across the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of Canadian border crossings in Upstate NY decreased by 22% in July 2025 compared to July 2024, with nearly 500,000 fewer travelers crossing the border.
  • This trend follows a months-long decline since Trump took office, with 2 million fewer travelers over the Upstate NY-Canada border compared to last year.
  • The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that international tourism in the United States will drop by $12.5 billion, with the United States being the only country of 184 studied where tourism is expected to decrease.
  • Senator Charles Schumer is calling for an end to Trump's trade war with Canada, which he says is having a devastating impact on tourism in Upstate NY.
  • Schumer says that small businesses in Western NY can't wait for "trade deals" with no details and is urging NY House Republicans to take up a resolution to end tariffs on Canada.
  • The Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada earlier this year, and Schumer is pushing for tariff exemptions for small businesses and an end to Trump's across-the-board tariffs.

Statistics:

  • 22% decrease in Canadian border crossings in July 2025 compared to July 2024.
  • 497,987 fewer travelers crossed the Upstate NY-Canada border in July 2025 compared to July 2024.
  • 2 million fewer travelers over the Upstate NY-Canada border since Trump took office compared to last year.
  • $12.5 billion decrease in international tourism in the United States, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
  • 20% decrease in Canadian bookings compared to last year.
  • 2.7% price increase in June 2025 compared to the previous year.
  • $2,700 increase in costs for families due to Trump's tariffs, according to the Budget Lab at Yale.

Sources:

  • New York Senator Charles Schumer
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • World Travel and Tourism Council
  • Pew Research
  • Budget Lab at Yale
  • Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association

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