MADAWASKA, Maine — Business owners from northern Maine and Canada attending the Top O’ Maine Trade show this weekend had the trade war on their minds, with some opposed to tariffs and others unsure that it will have a major effect on their operations.
Eko Nature Glamping, a business based in Lac Baker, New Brunswick, that offers visitors a year-round stay in a geodesic dome or cottage with a view of the surrounding mountains, made its first appearance at the trade show. While business owner Scott Beaulieu said the tariffs may not have a direct impact on them, it will ultimately hurt the economy and tourism.
Under President Donald Trump’s stricter immigration policies, Beaulieu said he gets the sense from some Americans that they’re afraid to travel to Canada because of potentially getting questioned or detained at the U.S. border on the way back.
“They’re creating a kind of a scare for people, and it’s too bad because we’ve had a relationship with the United States and Canada for so long that people who used to come and go each day are starting to get a little nervous, not to go, but to come back,” he said.
Garry Bouchard, who runs Gypsy’s Jules and Treasures with his wife and children, had strong thoughts about the implementation of tariffs. The handmade craft business has not had to make any recent material orders, but it sources many of its materials from China, which has been subject to the president’s heaviest tariffs and has retaliated against the U.S.
“That tariff business is really goofing up our supply line,” he said.
Bouchard said they haven’t felt the effects yet, but this may be because they haven’t had to make any recent material orders. But when they do, he said the higher cost will force them to increase their prices.
Other businesses at the trade show said they would likely not take a hit due to tariffs. Shawn Trombley, who owns Northern Softwash Plus, which is based in the Madawaska area and cleans homes and gutters, said the tariffs have not had any impact on the business since their customers are all based in the U.S. and their supplies come from local distributors.
Likewise, the owners of the Mars Hill-based Legacy Ranch and Event Center, which offers a spot for people to host a plethora of events from weddings to celebrations and job training, said the vast majority of their customers come from Maine and New England.
Jessica Blalock, executive director of the Madawaska Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, which hosted the multi-day event, emphasized the importance of the St. John Valley’s long-lasting relationship with its Canadian neighbors.
“We are one big community in Madawaska and Edmundston, and really the valley and on both sides of the river,” Blalock said. “A lot of families are on either side of the river, and we need to remember that.”
