MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • February 23, 2025
Thousands of Maine business owners who have been snared in recent political tensions between the U.S. and Canada and are bracing for the potential impacts of President Donald Trump’s threat to levy 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, as well as his insulting statements about their Canada. Maine’s tourist economy is particularly at risk because it depends on people feeling good about how and where they spend their fun money. In 2023, 781,400 Canadians visited Maine and spent $464 million while they were here. The Maine Tourism Association, which represents over 1,600 member businesses, has received a rash of calls and emails from Canadians with questions and concerns about their 2025 travel plans, said CEO Tony Cameron. “Some voiced their intent to cancel.” Now, 56% of Canadians say they will not travel to the U.S. or have canceled plans to do so.