Vermont cheesemaker says US-Canada trade war wiped out his business overnight
A Vermont cheesemaker lost all orders overnight due to the US-Canada trade war. The economic strain follows a series of tariffs implemented by both nations in late August and early September. Small businesses on both sides of the border are shutting down. The trade war has led to a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail.
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- ✓ Canada imposed a 25% surtax on US cheese and whey since September 8.
- ✓ The US-Canada trade war has led to a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail.
- ✓ Small businesses on both sides of the border are shutting down due to the economic strain.
What changed
Canada's retaliatory tariffs on US goods have raised prices for Americans and put up to $6.21 million a month in duties on the American cheese and whey industry.
Live updates
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US-Canada trade war devastates Vermont cheesemaker
A Vermont cheesemaker lost all orders overnight due to the US-Canada trade war. The economic strain follows a series of tariffs implemented by both nations in late August and early September. Small businesses on both sides of the border are shutting down. The trade war has led to a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail.
Why it matters
The US-Canada trade war has escalated with new tariffs on billions of dollars in imports, disputes over dairy, lumber, and market access fueling rising consumer prices. The trade tensions have been ongoing, with President Donald Trump accusing Canada of exploiting the US through trade imbalances. The US midterm elections are set to be held in less than 10 days.
What is confirmed
- Canada imposed a 25% surtax on US cheese and whey since September 8.
- The US-Canada trade war has led to a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail.
- Small businesses on both sides of the border are shutting down due to the economic strain.
What to watch next
- The impact of the US midterm elections on the trade war.
- The effect of Canada's retaliatory tariffs on US consumer prices.
- The outcome of negotiations between the US and Canada towards a long-term trade agreement.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- indiawest.com — Trump-Canada Trade War Set to Push Up Prices
- www.foxnews.com — Trump's tariffs on Canada put dairy, lumber and market access ...
- www.rvmnews.com — Trump’s Tariffs Hammer Canada as Old Trade Feuds Boil Over ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — US CANADA TRADE WAR - The Economic Times
- trendonomist.com — Canada's Dairy Retaliation Puts Up to US$6.21 Million a Month ...
- www.france24.com — Maine logging, cross-border ties whipsawed by US-Canada ...
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Vermont cheesemaker's business wiped out by US-Canada trade war
A Vermont cheesemaker lost all orders overnight due to the US-Canada trade war, which has led to a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail. The economic strain follows a series of tariffs implemented by both nations in late August and early September. Small businesses on both sides of the border are shutting down, including a US-based boutique that closed all three of its stores after 14 years in business.
Why it matters
The trade war between the US and Canada has intensified, affecting small businesses. Tariffs imposed by both nations have created uncertainty for cross-border trade. The impact is being felt by businesses, leading to closures and lost orders. The situation remains uncertain for affected businesses.
What is confirmed
- A Vermont cheesemaker lost all orders overnight due to the US-Canada trade war.
- The US-Canada trade war has led to a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail.
- A New Jersey food importer sued the Trump administration over 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.
Still unconfirmed
- The lawsuit could unwind the 50 percent tariff wall on Canadian goods.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the lawsuit filed by the New Jersey food importer
- Further tariffs imposed by the US and Canada
- The impact on small businesses
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.worldatlas.com — Vermont Maps & Facts - World Atlas
- www.aol.com — Trump sued over Canadian tariffs in latest legal challenge
- www.foxbusiness.com — US food importer sues Trump administration over 50% tariffs ...
- canadiangrocer.com — Ask the Experts: What to know about U.S. food importer’s ...
- www.peacocktariffconsulting.com — Cheese Lawsuit - Peacock Tariff Consulting
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US-Canada trade war forces small business closures
Small businesses on both sides of the border are shutting down as a trade war between the United States and Canada intensifies. Suzanne Smith, owner of Betty Be Good Boutique, closed all three of her stores including her U.S. shops after 14 years in business. This follows reports of a Vermont cheesemaker losing all orders overnight. The economic strain follows a series of tariffs implemented by both nations in late August and early September, creating a volatile environment for cross-border e-commerce and retail.
Why it matters
The dispute has already reduced Vermont exports to Canada by 27 percent through July. While a temporary deal delayed a 50 percent U.S. tariff on Canadian imports, the broader trade war remains active. These tensions are now influencing competitive political races.
What is confirmed
- The U.S. and Canada implemented new tariffs in late August and early September.
- Vermont goods exports to Canada dropped 27 percent through July.
Still unconfirmed
- Suzanne Smith closed her U.S. shops and all three of her stores because the trade war was the final nail in the coffin for her business.
What to watch next
- Further state-level data on export losses beyond July.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.europesays.com — US-Canada trade war: How Canada’s retaliatory tariffs affect e-commerce
- www.nbcnewyork.com — Tag: Economy – NBC New York
- www.baltimoresun.com — Trade war between US and Canada is taking its toll on small ...
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Tariffs Strain U.S.-Canada Trade and Vermont Businesses
An escalating tariff war between the United States and Canada has severely damaged cross-border trade, driving a Vermont cheesemaker from rapid success to zero orders overnight. State data shows broader friction, with Vermont goods exports to Canada down 27 percent through July, even as Canadian consumer spending in the state increased in August. Tariffs on both sides of the border have concentrated the financial burden on specific states and industries, bringing the trade dispute into competitive political races. Meanwhile, a last-minute deal delayed a 50 percent U.S. tariff on Canadian imports temporarily.
Why it matters
The trade dispute is disrupting small businesses, trade planning, and cross-border economic ties throughout Vermont. Rep. Becca Balint and regional leaders have warned that these tariffs threaten local enterprises. Financial burdens from the friction are heavily concentrated in specific states and industries.
What is confirmed
- Vermont goods exports to Canada decreased by 27 percent through July according to state data.
- Canadian consumer spending in Vermont increased in August.
- Rep. Becca Balint and regional leaders discussed how U.S.-Canada tariffs are disrupting Vermont small businesses, trade planning, and cross-border economic ties.
Still unconfirmed
- A Vermont cheesemaker suffered a complete loss of business overnight due to the tariff war.
- The United States and Canada reached a deal to delay 50 percent U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports until Saturday at 12:01 a.m.
What to watch next
- Whether the postponed tariffs take effect after the Saturday deadline
- Further political impacts of the trade dispute on competitive races in affected states
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- spectrumlocalnews.com — Trump says U.S. and Canada have a trade deal - Spectrum News
- www.atlanticcouncil.org — How the trade war with Canada is hitting US states—and could ...
- www.reformer.com — Vermont leaders warn Canada tariffs threaten small businesses
- financialpost.com — American businesses feel the pain from tariffs against Canada ...
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US-Canada Tariff War Crushes Vermont Cheesemaker Sales
An escalating tariff war between the United States and Canada has severely damaged cross-border trade, driving a Vermont cheesemaker from rapid success to zero orders overnight. According to reporting from CTV journalist Kimberley Johnson, the producer relied heavily on Canadian buyers before sales dried up entirely due to the trade dispute. State data shows broader cross-border friction, with Vermont goods exports to Canada down 27 percent through July, even as Canadian consumer spending in the state increased in August.
Why it matters
Vermont shares its northern border with the Canadian province of Quebec, making its local economy particularly sensitive to trade relations between Ottawa and Washington. Previous developments in the trade conflict included import bans and retaliatory tariffs targeting dairy goods, alcohol, and motorcycles. These measures highlight the direct vulnerability of border-state producers caught in broader national trade disputes.
What is confirmed
- A Vermont cheesemaker whose business relied heavily on Canadian buyers reported that sales dried up completely due to the tariff war, dropping from rapid success to zero orders.
- Vermont goods exports to Canada were down 27 percent through July.
- Canadians spent 28 percent more in Vermont in August than a year earlier.
Still unconfirmed
- The affected cheesemaker believes Canadian retaliatory measures were justified in response to United States trade pressure.
What to watch next
- Any potential resolution or de-escalation of tariff policies between the United States and Canadian governments.
- Further monthly trade data indicating whether the decline in Vermont goods exports to Canada accelerates or stabilizes.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (11)
- en.wikipedia.org — Vermont - Wikipedia
- www.vermont.gov — Home | Vermont.gov
- www.visit-vermont.com — Vermont Travel Guides, Attractions, & Vacation Planning | Visit ...
- www.vermont.gov — Explore - Vermont.gov
- vermont.com — Plan your Vermont Vacation: Lodging, Food, Events & Things To Do
- www.europesays.com — U.S. cheesemaker says trade war hitting border state ...
- www.compassvermont.com — Canadians Are Coming Back to Vermont. Vermont's Exports to ...
- www.noovo.info — La guerre commerciale entre le Canada et les États-Unis ...
- ifloz.substack.com — WHY YOU’D HAVE TO BE FUCKING INSANE TO EVER FUCK WITH CANADA
- www.travel-vermont.com — The Official Vermont Tourism Site - VermontVacation.com
- en.wikipedia.org — Geography of Vermont - Wikipedia
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Vermont Cheesemaker Says US-Canada Trade War Destroyed Business
An escalating trade war between the United States and Canada has wiped out a Vermont cheesemaker's business overnight by eliminating Canadian shipments. US President Donald Trump ordered agencies to halt purchases of Canadian products and instituted import bans targeting Canadian dairy goods, alcohol, and motorcycles. These actions followed retaliatory Canadian tariffs placed on US goods. Although the administration claimed the trade war would protect the American dairy sector, producers dependent on cross-border buyers are losing customers and facing severe economic damage.
Why it matters
The widening tariff dispute between Washington and Ottawa threatens regional border economies and small business owners. Experts warn that the economic fallout will drive inflation and create political fallout across competitive midterm election states.
What is confirmed
- US President Donald Trump ordered US agencies to stop buying Canadian products and announced import bans on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and dairy goods.
- Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs on US imports, prompting the US import bans.
- Some US dairy producers are losing Canadian customers despite promises that the sector would benefit from the trade war.
Still unconfirmed
- A Vermont cheesemaker says Canadian shipments have disappeared, wiping out his business overnight.
What to watch next
- Further US and Canadian retaliation or trade negotiations
- Impact on midterm elections in competitive border states
- Additional economic data regarding inflation and small business losses in the dairy sector
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.thebulwark.com — Who Cut The Cheese? Trump Did.
- www.ctvnews.ca — U.S. cheesemaker says trade war hitting border state businesses
- www.wionews.com — US-Canada trade war: Trump bans Canadian motorcycle, alcohol ...
- www.dagens.com — Expert: Trump’s plan not only doesn’t work - it hurts the ...
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US-Canada Trade War Batters Dairy and Small Businesses
An escalating trade war between the United States and Canada is damaging American dairy producers and small businesses, despite administration claims of industry protection. A new U.S. import ban targeting dairy products, most alcohol, and motorcycles took effect after retaliatory Canadian tariffs kicked in. The restrictions threaten regional economies and businesses reliant on cross-border buyers, dropping demand rapidly. Experts warn the fallout will drive inflation and hit small business owners hardest as political fallout spreads across competitive midterm election states.
Why it matters
The tariff conflict intensified after a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods was imposed by the Trump administration on August 22. Farming advocates and regional officials report that agricultural producers face mounting operational hurdles. Vice President JD Vance recently campaigned in Iowa to shore up rural support amid the mounting pressure on the American heartland.
What is confirmed
- A U.S. import ban on Canadian dairy products, most alcohol, and motorcycles took effect on September 29 following retaliatory tariffs from Canada.
- President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada is negatively impacting American dairy producers.
- U.S. import bans on dairy, alcohol, and automobiles could drive inflation and harm small businesses.
Still unconfirmed
- States hosting competitive 2026 Senate contests are disproportionately impacted by the trade war, according to an analysis obtained by The Post.
- Vice President JD Vance visited Iowa to shore up GOP support in the heartland as farming grows harder due to tariffs.
What to watch next
- Further economic data detailing the impact on small businesses and inflation rates.
- Additional retaliatory measures or trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canadian governments.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- nypost.com — Exclusive | New map shows how key midterm states hit by US-Canada trade war
- spectrumlocalnews.com — U.S. banning dairy products, most alcohol from Canada
- ca.finance.yahoo.com — 'A ban takes demand to zero overnight': How the latest U.S ...
- www.kten.com — ‘It’s devastating’: The US-Canada trade war is putting ...
- www.dominionpost.com — Tariffs, trade wars have made farming in the U.S. harder
- www.rawstory.com — Trump's trade war wrecked industry he swore he was defending: 'Everyone is losing'
- www.mynbc5.com — Vermont officials, businesses say impacts from Canadian ...
- vtdigger.org — Economy - VTDigger
- www.foxbusiness.com — Expert reveals US business owners set to bear brunt of ...
- www.bnnbloomberg.ca — Trade War - BNN Bloomberg
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US-Canada trade war devastates Vermont cheesemaker, threatens regional jobs
A Vermont cheesemaker's business was wiped out overnight due to the US-Canada trade war. The Trump administration's 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, imposed on August 22, has disrupted regional economies and stalled US dairy sales to Canada. Lawmakers warn that these tariffs threaten local manufacturing jobs. Tourism in New York's North Country has declined, and dairy farmers on the Canadian side are facing hardships.
Why it matters
The trade conflict between the US and Canada has significant implications for regional economies, particularly in Vermont, which shares a border with Canada and has historically been deeply integrated into Canadian supply chains. The tariffs have left businesses struggling to adapt, with farmers in both countries pleading for an end to the trade war. The US ban on nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including dairy products, has further escalated tensions.
What is confirmed
- The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods on August 22.
- Vermont businesses are struggling to adapt to the sudden interruption of amicable trade relations between the US and Canada.
- The US ban on nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including dairy products, has taken effect.
Still unconfirmed
- Pork investments in Canada may be affected by the trade war.
What to watch next
- US and Canadian leaders' responses to the escalating trade tensions
- Impact on local manufacturing jobs and regional economies
- Effectiveness of the legal challenge against the US tariffs
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.middleburycampus.com — Vermont businesses face trade war with Canada - The ...
- www.europesays.com — Farmers call for end to US/Canada trade war - EUROPE SAYS
- www.latimes.com — Booze, dairy and motorcycles: U.S. ban on Canadian imports ...
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US-Canada Trade War Disrupts Dairy and Manufacturing Sectors
Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have stalled US dairy sales to Canada and disrupted regional economies. A Vermont cheesemaker reports his business was wiped out overnight due to the trade conflict. Lawmakers warn that these tariffs threaten local manufacturing jobs, while tourism in New York's North Country has declined. On the Canadian side, dairy farmers are facing hardships and pork investments may be affected. A think tank suggests that retaliation by the Carney government could weaken the legal challenge against the US tariffs.
Why it matters
The trade dispute involves aggressive tariff policies aimed at Canada. These measures impact cross-border commerce in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The situation has escalated into a broader economic conflict involving retaliatory government actions.
Still unconfirmed
- A Vermont cheesemaker claims the US-Canada trade war wiped out his business overnight.
- Trump tariffs have caused US dairy sales to Canada to stall.
- Lawmakers warn tariffs on Canada could jeopardize local manufacturing jobs.
- Tensions with Canada have driven down tourism in New York's North Country.
- Tariffs may affect pork investments.
- A think tank argues that the Carney government's retaliation may weaken the legal case against Trump's tariffs.
What to watch next
- Legal rulings on the validity of the Trump tariffs
- Official data on manufacturing job losses in border states
- Formal retaliatory measures announced by the Carney government
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (7)
- aljazeera.com — Trump tariffs hit Canada’s dairy farmers as US sales stall
- NewsNation — Vermont cheesemaker says US-Canada trade war wiped out his business overnight
- Yahoo — Lawmakers warn tariffs on Canada could jeopardize local manufacturing jobs
- Newsday — Tensions with Canada drive down tourism in New York's North Country
- Washington Examiner — Trump is fighting Canada on trade — so why are we letting it rob our waters?
- The Western Producer — Tariffs may affect pork investments
- National Post — Carney government's retaliation may weaken the legal case against Trump's tariffs, think tank argues
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