Tariffs weigh on campaign in key state: Trump’s Canada levies hit Michigan especially

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 18, 2026

Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have led to higher costs and fewer Canadian shoppers for small businesses in Port Huron, Michigan, causing sales declines of up to 20 percent at stores like Elite Feet. This downturn highlights the challenges faced by border communities dependent on cross-border trade and raises concerns about the broader economic impact of trade policies in a pivotal state.

PORT HURON, Mich. — Rising tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have contributed to economic challenges for small businesses in this key border city, particularly affecting retailers reliant on cross-border customers and goods. Owners in the area report that increased trade costs and reduced traffic from Canada have taken a noticeable toll on sales.

At Elite Feet, a running shoe store situated just minutes from the Blue Water Bridge connecting Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario, owner Greg Whitican described how tariff hikes on footwear imported from Vietnam have pushed prices up by $10 to $15 per pair. This has led customers to delay purchases amid the broader high cost of living, resulting in weaker sales. Whitican said monthly sales have dropped between 15 and 20 percent.

In addition, tariffs between the United States and Canada, which began as part of a broader trade dispute last year, have discouraged Canadian shoppers from crossing the nearby border. Whitican emphasized the longtime close ties between the communities on both sides of the St. Clair River, noting that Canadian visitors once made up a significant portion of his clientele. The diminished flow of Canadian buyers has further contributed to economic strain for the store.

This local impact reflects wider concerns in Michigan, a critical state in national elections, where tariffs and trade policies have influenced consumer behavior and business activity. While the Trump administration argued that tariffs are necessary to protect American industries and promote fair trade practices, detractors point to their unintended consequences, including higher costs for consumers and disruptions for border economies.

Michigan’s proximity to Canada, its largest trading partner, makes it particularly sensitive to such trade tensions. Cross-border commerce supports numerous small businesses and jobs, and disruptions caused by tariff escalations ripple through local economies.

As the campaign season progresses, the economic effects of tariffs continue to be a key issue for residents and business owners alike in this region, illustrating the complex balance between trade policy objectives and ground-level economic realities.

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.