PLATTSBURGH — Relief over proposed tariffs on Canadian goods being delayed, turned into frustration a day later for local officials.
“We and business interests on both sides of the border are stunned by this reversal within a day of indicating a postponement to April 2,” Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said Thursday.
“All, including North Country businesses in every sector, are left confused and wondering if this is intended to squeeze some sort of final concessions on something or if we need to brace ourselves for the start of a bi-national trade war on March 4. A trade war between the two largest and most integrated economic partners in the world with the North Country on the front line in so many ways. Obviously, we urgently need a reversal by Tuesday.”
Douglas and others were reacting to the Trump administration’s reversal of delaying the implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods from April 2, back to the previous date of March 4.
Tarifs of 25% on Mexican and Canadian goods were initially scheduled for Feb. 1, but Trump delayed them until early March. On Monday, Trump said the tariffs would go ahead next week, but at his Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he said he was looking at April.
Then on Thursday, he said on social media that March 4 was going to be the day after all.
DEEP CONCERN
Douglas and others in the region are deeply concerned that such tariffs will have a negative effect on the local economy.
“Instead of relief, we are staring down an economic crisis set to take effect on March 4, 2025,” Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said.
Cashman said the North Country thrives on trade with Canada.
“The decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports is not just bad policy — it’s an economic disaster in the making for Plattsburgh, the North Country, and the entire U.S.-Canada trade corridor,” Cashman said.
“This move threatens jobs, raises household costs, and undermines decades of economic partnership with our neighbors to the north.”
Cashman said Plattsburgh has built its economy on cross-border commerce.
“We aren’t just “near” Canada. Our businesses and workforce depend on Canadian trade every single day. Manufacturers, logistics hubs, small businesses, and service industries all rely on seamless trade with Canada to keep costs low and businesses competitive. These tariffs will disrupt supply chains, shrink investments, and push businesses to the brink,” he said.
Cashman said the tariffs will affect everyone in the region, calling them a, “Kitchen table disaster.”
“Every household in the North Country will feel the pain. This isn’t just about big businesses. It’s about rising costs for groceries, fuel, utilities, cars, and home repairs. With inflation already straining family budgets, these tariffs pile on unnecessary financial stress for hardworking families,” he said.
Cashman said such decisions that reshape lives and livelihoods often happen far from the center of impact.
“Washington, D.C., is miles away from the North Country, but the weight of their choices falls on our businesses, our families, and our way of life. Once again, tariffs threaten to drive a wedge between us and our closest economic and cultural partner — Canada,’ he said.
“But here’s the reality: policies may shift, but our relationships endure. The North Country and Plattsburgh have long been defined by our commitment to one another — across borders, across industries, and across generations. We are not just neighbors; we are partners. We live, work, and grow together.”
The supervisor urged Canadians to stay strong like the North Country will.
“We know there is work to be done, but let us not retreat from our shared culture and economic ties,” he said.
“From trade to tourism, manufacturing to agriculture, our futures are interwoven. We must continue to advocate for a stronger, more connected region, not one divided by shortsighted policies.”
BUSINESS IMPACT
State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) was also concerned that such tariffs will hurt North Country businesses and residents.
“I am disappointed by the Canada tariff date reversal announced today just after they announced it would be postponed until April 2,” he said.
“As a border community with many Canadian businesses and a prominent tourist attraction, this will deeply hurt North Country businesses and residents. Canada is our friend, and this is no way to treat one of our strongest trade partners and allies. The federal administration needs to stop playing games and must rescind this decision without haste before it permanently damages our relationship with our northern neighbors.”