New Brunswick island with deep U.S. ties caught in the chaos of latest trade escalation

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

U.S. Customs blocked a New Brunswick truck carrying goods, including liquor, from crossing into Maine en route to Campobello Island, disrupting the island's vital supply chain. With the seasonal ferry service soon ending, this border enforcement following new U.S. import bans threatens the island’s access to essential groceries and daily necessities.

Campobello Island, a Canadian community of roughly 950 residents located off the coast of New Brunswick, has found itself caught in the crossfire of a growing trade dispute between Canada and the United States. The island’s unique geography complicates supply routes, as its only land access is through the state of Maine.

On Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection blocked a New Brunswick truck delivering goods bound for Campobello from crossing the border at the St. Stephen-Calais checkpoint. The truck’s journey typically involves a roughly 75-kilometre overland route through Maine before reaching the island. With the land crossing denied, the shipment was forced to reroute by using two connecting ferries, the second of which operates seasonally and is scheduled to cease operations after the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

The disruption comes shortly after an import ban introduced by the Trump administration that went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday. The ban targets various Canadian products, including alcoholic beverages, motorcycles, molasses, and whey. This measure is part of a broader trade escalation initiated by former President Donald Trump in early 2025, which has seen reciprocal tariffs and import restrictions between the two countries.

Harvey Matthews, mayor of Campobello Island, acknowledged uncertainty about which specific goods led to the truck being turned back, but confirmed that the shipment included liquor destined for a local grocery store. The delivery truck is a vital link for island residents, making daily mail runs and providing weekly shipments of groceries such as milk and liquor.

Matthews criticized the trade restrictions for their local impact, calling the dispute “pretty stupid” given the close relationship and geographical proximity of the two nations. “You can live without the alcohol, but the milk is pretty important,” he said, highlighting the practical difficulties faced by the island’s population amid the trade tensions.

As the ferry season nears its closure, alternative supply arrangements for Campobello Island face mounting challenges, underscoring the tangible effects of international trade policies on small and remote communities.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.