NH PUBLIC RADIO • March 5, 2025
Home heating oil. Lumber. Seafood. Airplane parts. Businesses and consumers across New England rely heavily on these and other Canadian imports, raising fears about the trickle down costs of President Trump’s imposition of a 25% tariff, which went into effect Tuesday. In Maine, Canadian imports were valued at around $4.7 billion last year, with fuel oil, electricity, seafood and lumber the largest sectors. Canada is the region’s largest single trading partner, accounting for $27 billion in goods in 2024. At a time when high food prices continue to drive frustration for shoppers, a 25% tax on Canadian agricultural imports may mean even more sticker shock at grocery stores. Representatives of Maine’s lobster industry are raising the alarm about how the tariffs could impact its closely connected supply chain with Canada.