The economic climate along the U.S.-Canada border has experienced significant shifts amidst the ongoing repercussions of President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Towns such as Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, which rely heavily on cross-border traffic, have felt the brunt of these changes. Notably, Kristina Lampert, a waitress at Freighters restaurant—a popular stop for travelers crossing the Blue Water Bridge—has observed a noticeable decline in business from Canadian patrons, indicating that the welcoming ambiance of diner stops is not what it used to be. With Canadian tourists no longer filtering in for meals accompanied by beautiful views, the restaurant’s income has substantially decreased.
The Blue Water Bridge itself serves as a vital connection between the two nations, and the bustling activity it once supported has dwindled in recent months. With the imposition of tariffs on diverse goods, travel has decreased significantly, driving the number of Canadians crossing the border down by 17% according to data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This continued trend not only highlights a change in consumer behavior but signals a potential shift in the dynamics of the local economies dependent on cross-border commerce.
As the economic data reveals, Canadians have reduced their trips to the U.S. by almost 32% compared to figures from March 2024. The integrated economies of Port Huron and Sarnia formed a symbiotic relationship, where residents often crossed the border for shopping gifts, dining, or even day trips. However, prolonged periods without tourists seem to indicate a growing frustration among local businesses. Such businesses are struggling to survive after facing the severe economic strain induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had already left a lasting impact on cross-border commerce.
In Sarnia, the Duty Free store, which once benefitted from the substantial number of shoppers crossing over from Canada, is now facing increased challenges. Both Barbara Barrett from the Frontier Duty Free Association and local business operators like Tania Lee reported that sales have plummeted, some stores witnessing decreases of up to 80% in sales since Trump’s return to office. This particular Duty Free location, which serves as a last-minute stop for Canadian travelers before entering the U.S., has seen its parking lot nearly devoid of customers, with shelves crowded with products that have no market.
Port Huron and the surrounding areas are deeply intertwined with Sarnia, where the residency patterns dictate frequent border crossings. Tania Lee shared insights about how her family business has been significantly affected, especially around holiday weekends like Easter, which traditionally draw in high foot traffic. The foreboding economic patterns that stem from heightened tensions between the two nations inherently impact residents who often traverse this border multiple times a week for a variety of personal and economic reasons.
Port Huron’s mayor, Anita Ashford, expressed her deep concern for the frontline workers and business owners whose livelihoods rely on this bi-national relationship. The stark reduction in Canadian tourists has broader implications, potentially resulting in job losses and decreased revenue for local communities. With U.S. tourism officials estimating that a 10% drop in Canadian tourism could lead to a staggering loss of $2.1 billion in business revenue and considerable job losses, the message is painfully clear: the enduring fray in relations impacts not just grand policies but also everyday lives.
Mayor Ashford underscored the mutual dependency shared across the border, hoping that governmental decision-makers in Washington would recognize the fallout their policies have had on towns like Port Huron. The sentiment among residents is one of resilience yet critical concern; as Ashford reflects, “We need each other.” This complex interdependency calls for a reevaluation of trade and travel policies that take into account the genuine human costs affected by the decisions made at a higher political level.