Canada-U.S. Border Trade Slows as Tariffs Take Toll
The U.S.-Canada border crossing at Emerson, Manitoba, has seen a dramatic drop in traffic following the implementation of new tariffs. Simon Resch, owner of Emerson Duty Free, described the highway leading to the border as a “ghost town” compared to the usual lines of vehicles. The 25% tariff, which took effect Tuesday, has severely impacted trade and travel, reducing the number of crossings to an unprecedented low.
Resch noted that even during the COVID-19 restrictions, there was more cross-border movement. Dave Carlson, reeve of the Emerson-Franklin municipality, said the tariffs and U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about making Canada the 51st state have offended many Canadians, leading to a shift in travel and spending habits. Carlson estimated a 40-50% drop in border traffic, a significant decline affecting local businesses.
Gurbir Boparai, director of Canadian Prairie Transport, said the trucking industry is already feeling the effects, with multiple shipments—mainly produce, auto parts, and agricultural products—being canceled or put on hold. He warned that prolonged tariffs would harm businesses, reduce consumer demand, and slow freight movement.
The economic ripple effect has been felt across border communities, with businesses that rely on cross-border customers struggling. Carlson emphasized the importance of resolving the trade dispute swiftly, noting that the economies of Canada and the U.S. are deeply intertwined.
Despite tensions, Carlson said his community values its ties with American neighbors and does not support symbolic acts like removing U.S. flags from municipal buildings. However, he acknowledged a growing sense of Canadian patriotism amid the trade conflict, with more people engaging in discussions about the nation’s economic future.
Source: Swifteradio.com
