Business owners on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border gathered in Vermont to discuss the impact of the Trump administration’s tariffs. President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, along with comments suggesting Canada should become the 51st state, have caused outrage among Canadians, leading to boycotts of American goods. Canadian Member of Parliament Marie-Claude Bibeau expressed concern over the unprecedented threat to Canada’s sovereignty posed by these actions. The roundtable discussion included representatives from various industries such as breweries, a maple syrup producer, a furniture company, an electrical company, and a ski resort. Senator Peter Welch, a Vermont Democrat, criticized Trump’s actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable and valuable relationship with Canada. Trade with Canada is crucial for many U.S. states, with Vermont heavily reliant on cross-border trade. Welch highlighted the negative impact of tariffs on businesses and consumers, emphasizing that such measures hurt both countries.
