Vermont Businesses Urge End to Canada Tariff Dispute

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Vermont Businesses Urge End to Canada Tariff Dispute

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Businesses across Vermont are voicing strong concerns over the ongoing trade dispute and escalating tariffs between the United States and Canada, urging an immediate end to the trade war. The sentiment was widely shared at a recent event organized by Vermont Senator Peter Welch, where business owners detailed canceled orders, reduced Canadian tourism, and millions in added costs.

The U.S. imposed new 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion in Canadian goods, effective August 22, 2026, following a suspension of trade negotiations. Canada has announced it will match these tariffs dollar-for-dollar, with their retaliatory measures set to take effect on September 8, 2026. Vermont’s Department of Economic Development estimates these U.S. duties translate to about $193 million in added costs for Canadian goods entering the state, while Canada’s counter-tariffs are expected to add roughly $318 million in costs to Vermont’s exports to Canada.

The economic strain is particularly evident in border communities and the tourism sector. Jay Peak Resort, located less than 10 miles from the Canadian border, typically sees over 35% of its visitors from Canada. However, the resort experienced a 25% decline in Canadian visitors last season, and while bookings had shown signs of recovery, momentum has stalled since the latest tariffs were announced. Steve Wright, president of Jay Peak, noted that the rhetoric surrounding the dispute and the erosion of trust are as impactful as the tariffs themselves.

Beyond tourism, other industries are also feeling the pinch. Track Inc., a company selling snow-grooming equipment, reported a 30% drop in sales in 2025 and has seen order books “slam shut” recently, with owner Mike Desmarais fearing his business is “destined to close” if tariffs persist. Artisanal cheesemaker Jasper Hill Farm, which had secured a Canadian importer in 2024, saw a projected $1 million year “go absolutely cold” last February, with a recent purchase order canceled due to impending Canadian counter-tariffs on U.S. cheese. The farm also incurred significant customs duties on Canadian-made cheesemaking equipment imported in 2025.

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