MAINE PUBLIC • April 19, 2025
The number of travelers crossing the Canadian border into Maine declined in March by 26% compared to the same month last year, furthering a dip that began with President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats of annexation. The data on border crossings into Maine comes from monthly U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports. In February, when the president first announced his tariffs against Canada and goals of annexing the country, there was a 15% decline from the previous year. The March data show an even steeper drop-off — about 60,000 fewer people coming through Maine border crossings. The figure is part of an overall drop at all northern border crossings of 900,000 travelers nationwide. State officials have warned that Canadian visitors are an important part of the state's tourism economy.