The threat of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump has led to a decrease in the number of people traveling from British Columbia to the United States. Data from Cascade Gateway, which provides border wait times, shows that the number of cars heading to the U.S. through the Peace Arch border crossing has decreased significantly compared to last year. Border policy researcher Laurie Trautman from Western Washington University suggests that there has been around a 30% decrease in southbound travel for the month of February. This may be partly due to the tariff threats, as well as a push from business leaders and politicians for Canadians to buy locally.
Trump has stated that he will not stop the tariffs, citing concerns about the fentanyl crisis facing the United States. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that there are two separate sets of tariffs – one related to fentanyl and another involving reciprocal tariffs on all of America’s trading partners. Despite the possibility of tariffs not going into effect, the damage has already been done according to Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Trautman agrees, stating that people are still angry and frustrated, even if tariffs do not come into effect.
The drop in border crossings may also be attributed to Trump’s comments about Canada potentially becoming America’s 51st state. While the data on border crossings should be taken with caution, it appears that Americans are still traveling to Canada. The value of the Canadian dollar also plays a significant role in cross-border travel, with shifts in its value affecting travel patterns between the two countries. Guy Occhiogrosso, president and CEO of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, notes that while they do not have specific data on the impact of Trump’s tariffs, anecdotally, it seems like there has been a decline in cross-border shopping.
Occhiogrosso mentions that they have seen fewer B.C. license plates in Bellingham parking lots, which may indicate a decrease in cross-border shopping. Factors such as snowfall and the declining Canadian dollar also contribute to the decline. The impact of Trump’s tariff threats on cross-border travel is being closely monitored, with the possibility of a continued decrease in travel even if tariffs do not come into effect. The situation is fluid, and business leaders and politicians in both countries are closely observing the potential consequences of the tariffs on cross-border trade and travel.
