Business owners from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border met in Vermont to discuss the impact of President Trump's tariffs on their industries. Canadians are upset about the tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as Trump's comments suggesting Canada should become a U.S. state, leading to boycotts of American goods.
The Canadian members of Parliament expressed concern over the threat to their nation's sovereignty. The roundtable attendees included various businesses like 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 and emphasized the importance of maintaining the strong relationship between the two countries. Trade with Canada is vital for many U.S. states, including Vermont, where it represents a significant portion of exports and imports.
Welch highlighted the negative impact of tariffs on businesses and consumers, stressing that the costs are ultimately borne by the buyers of the products. He described the situation as detrimental and warned about the negative consequences for Vermont.