AUGUSTA – This week, President Donald Trump announced that 25% tariffs would be imposed on goods imported from Canada. In response, Canadian leaders have indicated that their citizens would not purchase American goods or travel to the United States. This includes Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who specifically mentioned travel to Old Orchard Beach.
In response, Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, and Sen. Donna Bailey, D-York, issued the following statement:
“For generations, many Canadian families have chosen to visit Old Orchard Beach and other communities throughout our beautiful state. The unnecessary, reckless and harmful trade war being waged by the Trump Administration is already unraveling the decades of goodwill that our community has built with our Canadian neighbors. Despite the month-long delay on most tariffs announced today, the uncertainty caused by these tariffs will have direct negative impacts on local lodging, hospitality, retail and dining establishments, and other businesses, all of whom will feel these ripple effects throughout the economy. We urge the White House to end this futile trade war and stop harming Maine people and businesses.”
According to the Maine International Trade Center, Canada is Maine’s largest foreign trading partner, with two-way trade topping $7.5 billion annually. Additional data from the Maine Office of Tourism indicates that more than half a million Canadians visited our state last year. The vast majority of Canadian tourists who visit Maine are repeat visitors — many of whom have traveled here more than 10 times.
Gramlich is serving her fourth term in the Maine House representing Old Orchard Beach. Bailey is serving her third term in the Maine Senate representing Old Orchard Beach, Buxton and Saco.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Gramlich) | 305-965-2744
Ben Barry (Bailey) | 401-702-3628