The New York State Democratic Committee is criticizing Bruce Blakeman for supporting President Donald Trump's tariffs as New York farmers, manufacturers and tourism businesses face declining trade and travel with Canada.
The party's statement cited a Syracuse news report that tariffs imposed by the United States and retaliatory measures from Canada have raised costs and made cross-border business more difficult. Blakeman has said the trade dispute is not significantly hurting New Yorkers, according to the release.
New York Democrats argued that the effects are already reaching agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The committee did not include a response from Blakeman in its release beyond citing his public comments about the tariffs' impact.
Canada trade supports industries across New York
New York and Canada exchange about $38 billion in goods, including aluminum, barley, automobiles and cheese, according to figures cited in the release. That trade supports an estimated 600,000 jobs across both countries.
The release said New York is particularly exposed to tariffs because of its proximity to Canada and its reliance on Canadian goods and energy. It cited economists and business owners who said import taxes and retaliatory tariffs ultimately cost consumers money and complicate business operations.
Shipments of Canadian aluminum through the Port of Oswego have fallen by half since the first round of tariffs took effect, according to the Syracuse.com reporting summarized by the committee. The release also said New York farmers and wineries have sold less milk and wine to Canadian customers.
Tourism and agricultural exports have declined
Travel by Canadians to New York dropped more than 26% from 2024 levels, according to Empire State Development data cited in the release.
New York dairy exports to Canada fell 12% during the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024, according to state Comptroller's Office figures included in the statement. The state's wine industry sold 91% less wine to Canada last year, the release said, citing comments from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The committee said another round of tariffs took effect during the past month and warned that additional measures could begin in January if the two countries do not reach an agreement.
New York State Democratic Committee spokesperson Addison Dick said the tariffs affect farmers, manufacturers and businesses that depend on tourism. Dick accused Blakeman of placing Trump's agenda ahead of those New York industries.
The statement was issued and paid for by the state Democratic Committee as political advocacy. It did not provide a full economic analysis of the tariffs or include a response from the Trump administration.
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