BLAINE, Wash. — A 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports took effect on Saturday, and businesses in Whatcom County worry about the potential fallout.
After President Trump’s previous tariff threats against Canada, businesses in Blaine say they saw a big drop in Canadian foot traffic.
Some shops like L & L Bakery saw a small bump in Canadian visitors coming to Blaine in the spring.
“I felt like they were slowly coming around more,” said Laura Potter, Owner of L & L Bakery.
Potter feels her bakery will survive, but she’s worried these new tariffs could be challenging for other stores.
“There are a lot of other businesses that depend more on the Canadian tourists,” said Potter.
Retail, along with food and beverage industries, ranked the highest when it comes to a decline in Canadian visitors being damaging, according to a survey put together by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Border Policy Research Institute.
After last-minute trade negotiations failed on Friday night, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada would have retaliatory tariffs against US goods starting September 8th.
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