Trump's Tariffs on Canada: A Devastating Trade War for Upstate NY's Economy

Strategic Insights -

Senator Chuck Schumer has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of Trump's tariffs on Canada, citing plummeting summer tourism, rising prices, and a staggering nearly 975,000 fewer travelers across the U.S.-Canada border since Trump took office. The Senator announced Democrats will force a vote in the Senate to end Trump's ill-conceived cost-raising trade war with Canada that is killing the summer tourism economy, threatening thousands of jobs, and Main Streets in the Buffalo-Niagara region.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump's tariffs on Canada have resulted in a staggering nearly 975,000 fewer travelers across the U.S.-Canada border since he took office.
  • Tourism in Western NY is down, with a 7% decrease in hotel occupancy in Niagara Falls compared to last year, and a nearly 18% drop in revenue for ShopCraft, a gift shop and gallery in the City of Buffalo.
  • Local businesses are facing significant losses due to the decline in Canadian tourism, with the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA experiencing 30% less foot traffic than last year, and the Aquarium of Niagara seeing an 18% decrease in attendance in July.
  • Trump's tariffs are hurting local businesses that depend on materials from Canada, with BNP Empowered Print predicting an annualized cost increase of over $225,000 due to Trump's tariffs.
  • Senator Schumer announced Democrats will force a vote in the Senate to end Trump's ill-conceived cost-raising trade war with Canada.
  • Schumer called on NY House Republicans to stand with the families and small businesses that are footing the bill for Trump's tariff tax by taking up a resolution to end the tariffs.

Statistics:

  • 975,000: The number of fewer travelers across the U.S.-Canada border since Trump took office.
  • 7%: The decrease in hotel occupancy in Niagara Falls compared to last year.
  • 18%: The drop in revenue for ShopCraft, a gift shop and gallery in the City of Buffalo.
  • 30%: The decrease in foot traffic at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA.
  • 18%: The decrease in attendance at the Aquarium of Niagara in July.
  • $225,000: The annualized cost increase predicted by BNP Empowered Print due to Trump's tariffs.

Sources:

  • Schumer, Charles E. "Trump Just Increased Tariffs on Canada -- Our Closest Ally & Trading Partner --To A Reckless35% Which Has Families & Small Biz Across Upstate NY In Tailspin As Costs Skyrocket--". Contify.com, 2025.
  • Budget Lab at Yale. "Trump's Tariffs Will Cost Families Nearly $2,400 Every Year". Contify.com, 2025.
  • Visit Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Patrick Kaler. "Visit Buffalo Niagara Applauds Senator Schumer's Commitment to Strengthening Cross-Border Ties". Contify.com, 2025.
  • Rupal Hospitality and Element Development Group President Nirel Patel. "Statement on Senator Schumer's Efforts to End the Unnecessary Trade War with Canada". Contify.com, 2025.
  • BNP Empowered Print President Thomas Majerski. "BNP Empowered Print Fully Supports Senator Schumer's Efforts to End the Extremely Harmful Policy with Our Closest Ally and Number One Trading Partner". Contify.com, 2025.
  • Schumer, Charles E. "Schumer Announces Plan to Force Vote on Ending Trump's Tariffs on Canada, Citing Devastating Impact on NY's Economy, Tourism, Small Businesses, and Local Jobs". Contify.com, 2025.
  • Senate Democrats. "Schumer and Senate Democrats Push for Tariff Exemptions for Small Businesses and End to Trump's Across-the-Board Tariffs". Contify.com, 2025.
  • Schumer, Charles E. "Schumer to Force Vote on Ending Trump's Tariffs on Canada, Citing Devastating Impact on NY's Economy, Tourism, Small Businesses, and Local Jobs". Contify.com, 2025.