Business owners from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border gathered in Vermont on Tuesday to discuss the effects of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, which have disrupted industries and strained economic ties.

Trump’s repeated remarks suggesting Canada should become the 51st U.S. state have fueled anger among Canadians, leading to a boycott of American products.

“This situation in Canada is unprecedented. The threat extends beyond just tariffs,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, a Canadian Member of Parliament representing Compton-Stanstead. “It’s an attack on our sovereignty, and that makes me emotional.”

The roundtable discussion included representatives from breweries, a maple syrup producer, a furniture company, an electrical firm, and a ski resort.

Donna Young of Judd’s Wayeeses Farms in Morgan explained that much of the equipment she relies on for maple syrup production is sourced from Canada.

“Between tariffs and political uncertainty, it’s been extremely disruptive,” she said. “Weather is already a major challenge in our business—we don’t need this extra burden.”

Bob Montgomery of Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro warned that the 25% tariff on aluminum, used for beer cans, will ultimately raise beer prices.

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“That extra cost is going to be passed directly to us,” he said.

Senator Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont who hosted the meeting, criticized Trump’s actions, saying they have damaged what was once a stable and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

“This should not be happening,” Welch said. “We are neighbors, allies, and friends. We need to keep it that way.”

Canada is the leading export destination for 36 U.S. states. Every day, nearly C$3.6 billion (US$2.7 billion) in goods and services flow between the two countries. In Vermont, trade with Canada accounts for more than a third of exports and two-thirds of imports. Welch noted that one in four Vermont businesses depends on trade with Canada and cannot afford a 25% increase in import costs.

“Everyone understands—except apparently President Trump—that tariffs are ultimately paid by consumers,” Welch said in a recent Senate floor speech. “This is a really bad idea. It’s going to hurt Vermont.”

Bibeau urged American businesses to pressure Trump into reconsidering the tariffs.

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“This isn’t just bad for our economy—it’s bad for yours, too,” she said. “We need to work together and show that these policies are harming both countries and their people.”

Source: With input from agency