Canada's tariff response could impact New York businesses, tourism
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars' worth of American goods, escalating a trade dispute with the United States that could have economic consequences on both sides of the border, including in New York.
Canadian leaders said the tariffs would reach as high as 50% on a range of U.S. products. The measures include 25% tariffs on fish, seafood and appliances. Lumber and certain U.S. dairy products also will face 50% tariffs, along with steel and aluminum.
The announcement came days after negotiations between the two countries collapsed and Washington raised tariffs on Canadian products.
"This is an unprecedented challenge imposed on Canada, but Canada will meet the moment. Canadians will meet the moment. We will meet the moment together," said Franois-Philippe Champagne, Canada's finance minister.
The tariffs are a response to a series of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. The dispute has intensified in recent days, with President Donald Trump suggesting on social media that he would rename Lake Ontario.
"As these shenanigans continue, we will remain smart and strategic-and we will fight back," said Mélanie Joly, Canada's minister of industry.
The ongoing trade conflict could further affect tourism between Canada and New York City.
Canadian visitors were once the city's second-largest international tourist group after British travelers. However, Canadian tourism to New York fell by at least 25% last year and continues to trend lower, according to experts.
Vijay Dandapani, who represents the city's hotel industry through the Hotel Association of New York City, said many Canadians are giving up on New York.
"They're going onwards to the Caribbean and Europe. And so, once you've done that, you just get comfortable with that and say, 'Hey, let me just go there,'" Dandapani said.
Among the few Canadian visitors interviewed in New York City were Gilbert Fortin and his wife, Helene, who said they were visiting an ailing friend. Fortin said he and other Canadians he knows are not planning U.S. vacations.
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"Everybody we talk to-when we say we're Canadian-the first thing they say to us is, 'We're sorry. We love you guys and we want to be friends with you guys,'" Fortin said.
Many polls show broad support among Canadians for retaliatory measures. Rising costs associated with the trade dispute could deepen resentment among some Canadians and reinforce support for the government's response as the conflict continues.
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