Just across the U.S. border, Americans voice concern, optimism on Trump's tariffs
Some residents worry trade barriers will drive away business, tourism
As the March 4 launch date of U.S. President Donald Trump's blanket tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. looms, Americans just across the border are voicing their concerns over what it might mean for the two countries.
On Feb. 1, the U.S. announced it would be imposing 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods, with the exception of a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy, taking effect Feb. 4. But after phone calls between Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Feb. 3, the tariffs were delayed a month.
One week later, on Monday, Trump signed an executive order imposing 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including from Canada.
People in Minot, N.D., a city of 50,000 people about an hour's drive south of the Canadian border, shared a mixture of anger, bewilderment and cautious optimism when they were interviewed last week — after Trump delayed imposing broad tariffs, but before he imposed the steel and aluminum tariffs.
Many were worried that broad tariffs would drive away Canadian visitors, either through economic pressures or political fallout. The city historically attracts visitors for its state fair, and serves as a stopping point during deeper trips south.
"We've always had good relations with Canada. So I hope we don't wreck that by producing tariffs on it," said Nancy Mahoney, a customer outside of a Target store in Minot.
Another customer, Nina Lindstrom, felt the same way.
"I think we're going to lose customers from Canada coming down to the U.S. I mean, they're a good part of our businesses down here," she said.
Several people were more incensed at the idea of tariffs being imposed on Canadian goods.
"It's not good for anybody. They'll just raise our prices and so we'll just have to pay more money. And I don't know what they're doing it for, but it's absolutely ridiculous," said Inga Moe.
Sinie Beck was similarly exasperated.
"We're not going to make money off of this. It's going to cost us more," she said. "We're going to have to pay an extra like 30 per cent at the store and then the tariffs go away. The store is not going to stop charging you that extra 30 per cent because now they know you'll pay it."
"Sorry. I'm very mad about this."
Not everyone felt the same way. Some saw it more as a bargaining strategy to pressure Canada into implementing stronger border policies.
"I think this is nothing but a political ploy," said Donald Holinaty, who was visiting Minot from Estevan, Sask. "We love the U.S., coming down here from Canada. Today, from Saskatchewan, we see the Canadian flag on the North Dakota side. That means a lot."
"The relationships we've built over the years means a lot more than the unfortunate political fight that we're in between right now. But I believe that the smart people will be taking the lead on this and we're not too worried about them."
U.S. resident Anthony Stanton said he thinks Trump's moves are a good way to secure the border and seem to be working.
"The pouring of fentanyl across our border is a pretty big deal. I've lost a few friends and something needs to happen. I think this is one step in the right direction," he said.
Trump has cited border security issues such as illegal immigration and fentanyl among the reasons for the tariffs. Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection show the agency seized 19.5 kilograms of fentanyl at the border with Canada last year, compared with 9,570 kilograms at the border with Mexico.
When asked about what happens if Canada launches retaliatory tariffs, Stanton remained optimistic.
"We could weather a little bit of it," he said. "Costs with inflation have gone up so high over the past years and I think everybody will feel the effect of that."
"But yeah, I think a little bit is worth it."
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With files from Coralie Hodgson