Vermont’s small businesses are feeling the pinch due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods. The escalating trade war and rhetoric between the US and Canada are causing concerns among business owners, particularly in the tourism industry.
A shipment of spirits ordered by a Quebec entity has been stuck at a Montpelier-based distillery for nearly a month, highlighting the impact of tariffs on small businesses. Ryan Christiansen, president and head distiller at Caledonia Spirits, said that customers are ready to buy, but the delayed shipment is missing their financial plan.
Vermont exports $680 million in goods to Canada annually, with tourism being a significant contributor. However, Canadian tourists have begun to soften spending in recent weeks, particularly during key peak periods like Quebec break week and Ontario break week. Steve Wright, president of Jay Peak Resort, attributed the decline to reduced day traffic from Montreal.
To mitigate the effects, some business owners are proposing promotional deals for Canadian visitors, such as “Canada Days.” Bill Butler, co-owner of Artisans Hand Craft Gallery, is exploring ideas to keep foot traffic coming during the slow summer and fall seasons.
Tariffs on imported goods, including wood shavings, peat moss, and animal feed, are also causing concerns among small business owners. Sam Guy, owner of Guy’s Farm & Yard, said that a 25% tariff would inevitably be passed on to shoppers, affecting low-margin products like these.
As the trade war continues, Vermont’s small businesses are taking proactive steps to adapt and mitigate the impact of tariffs on Canada.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/15/trumps-canadian-tariffs-are-having-a-chilling-effect-on-vermonts-small-business-owners.html