PLATTSBURGH — The topsy-turvy world of on-again, off again tariffs has had a not-so-good impact locally to the dismay of local officials.
“Well, we now have the border crossing numbers for Champlain for March and, as anticipated, car crossings were down 31% compared with March 2024,” Garry Douglas, president of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said.
“Visitation was down 16% in February but we knew March was the month that tariffs and counter-tariffs hit, along with a heightened sense that many of our northern friends and neighbors would avoid travel to the U.S. for now.”
Douglas and other North Country officials have been concerned that tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump on Canadian goods would impact border business, which is a significant part of the North Country economy.
The worry is that strained relations will hurt the region in the pocket book as well as create an easy social climate.
Douglas noted that it appears that part of the reason border crossings in March were down so much from last year was that Easter, a time when many Canadians traditionally travel to the region, was in late March last year.
“We also cannot define the relative degree to which three factors are all affecting cross-border travel,” Douglas said.
“But it is a combination of a poor exchange rate for Canadians, a broad sense of hurt among Canadians, and the 25% surcharge imposed by Canada at the border as part of retaliatory tariffs.”
While car traffic is down, the Chamber reports that truck crossings for March were up 12% and were up in January and February as well.
“We especially feel and appreciate the sense of hurt as one would with one’s family,” Douglas said, noting that the Chamber is engaged in a marketing campaign in Quebec via social media and television that looks to differentiate the greater Plattsburgh area’s special connection with Quebecers, along with tools for area businesses to highlight the welcoming of Canadian visitors.
“We need to remember that if visitation is off by 30% or more, that still means many of our neighbors are continuing to be here,” he said.
Douglas said the Chamber is hopeful that expected U.S.-Canada negotiations following the upcoming April 28th Canadian election can lead to an agreed way forward, but notes the need for a significant period of outreach, reconciliation and healing thereafter.
TOWN IMPACT
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said the town, which is home to many retail, restaurant and recreation attractions that Canadians visit, as well as Canadian manufacturers, said he is also concerned about the trend of border crossings.
“The Town of Plattsburgh is deeply aware of the challenges our community is facing as cross-border travel has been impacted,” Cashman said.
“Small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, are especially feeling the strain.”
Cashman said that while these times are tough, the enduring ties between Plattsburgh and our Canadian neighbors will not waver.
“With determination and collaboration, we will continue to support our local businesses, strengthen our partnerships, and look ahead to a brighter future for all,” he said.
JONES CONCERNED
State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) said the continued unpredictability of the region’s valued trade relationship with Canada has put an enormous strain on local businesses and economic activity in the North Country.
“Many businessowners have shared with me the economic hits they’ve already experienced because of the rising tensions. The uncertainty surrounding costs, product availability and less Canadians visiting the states has begun to strain businesses, a trend that will only rise if these senseless decisions continue,” Jones said.
“The Canadian government has also initiated their own taxes on goods crossing into their country, continuing to lower the flow of travelers between our two nations. Many North Country businesses rely on our friends and neighbors to the North for consistent economic stimulation throughout the year.”
Jones said the region has already seen a sizeable decline in Canadian visitors planning their day trips, and shopping excursions in the short amount of time since elevated tariffs began earlier this year.
Businesses like marinas, campgrounds, golf courses, and other summer attractions will start their season with a sharp decline in customer bookings due to less Canadians planning to travel across the border, he said.
“These local seasonal businesses will already be behind before they even open their doors to kick off their season,” Jones said.
“I remain committed to continuing talking to our Canadian partners and friends to resolve these issues and instill in them that North Country residents and businesses still welcome and respect them and want to work in a collaborative way as we have for decades.”