Tourism across Upstate New York is plummeting as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Canada over trade policy, with new data showing a dramatic drop in border crossings that’s hammering local businesses and threatening thousands of summer jobs.
According to figures released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Canadian crossings into New York fell by more than 376,000 in June compared to the same month last year—a 21.5% decline. This comes as President Trump threatens to raise tariffs on Canadian goods to 35% next week, deepening what critics call a reckless trade war with America’s closest ally.
“Tariffs are up, tourism is down, and Upstate New York is paying the price,” said Senator Chuck Schumer, who is urging House Republicans to break their silence and support bipartisan efforts to roll back the damaging policy. “Trump’s chaotic trade war is leaving Main Streets empty, hotels half full, and restaurants struggling.”
The drop in traffic is being felt hardest at the region’s busiest land crossings. Auto crossings fell by 28.9% at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge, 26.8% at the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge, and 25.8% at the Rainbow Bridge. The Thousand Islands and Peace Bridge also saw steep declines.
These crossings are critical for Upstate’s seasonal economy, particularly in communities near Buffalo, Plattsburgh, and the Thousand Islands that depend on Canadian shoppers and vacationers. With fewer tourists visiting shops, hotels, and attractions, local businesses are losing millions in potential revenue.
The impact extends beyond tourism. Trade tensions are driving up prices for American families—especially in working-class households that buy more tariffed goods. According to research from Yale’s Budget Lab, Trump’s tariffs could cost families over $2,700 annually. June inflation data shows a 2.7% increase in consumer prices compared to last year, raising fears that further tariffs will push household costs even higher.
In response, Schumer and Senate Democrats have advanced legislation to exempt small businesses from tariffs and passed a resolution to end the Canadian tariffs altogether. They’ve also filed legal challenges to Trump’s tariff authority.
“Every day that this trade war drags on, Upstate communities suffer,” Schumer said. “It’s time for House Republicans to stand with their districts, not with Donald Trump’s economic sabotage.”
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