‘Canadians don’t want to come here any more’: anger over Trump squeezes US border businesses

Border businesses in upstate New York are experiencing a sharp decline in Canadian customers as cross-border traffic has dropped significantly in recent weeks. Shops and restaurants in towns like Lewiston, which typically draw heavy tourist traffic from across the Niagara River, are now struggling to survive as Canadians reconsider visits to the United States. The downturn reflects broader tensions between the U.S. and Canada, including Trump administration tariffs and heightened border scrutiny that have dampened Canadian enthusiasm for American travel. Business owners who rely on cross-border commerce say the shift threatens their livelihoods, with some establishments reporting noticeably slower weekends and reduced foot traffic compared to historical patterns. The situation underscores how trade disputes and border policy can have immediate, tangible effects on small communities that depend on binational commerce and tourism.