North Country leaders stunned by tariff deadline reversal

PLATTSBURGH | Just hours after an apparent postponement of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, North Country leaders were shocked Thursday when President Donald Trump announced they would begin March 4. "We and business interests on both sides of the border are stunned by this reversal within a day of indicating a postponement to April 2," North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said Thursday. "All, including North Country businesses in every sector, are left confused and wondering if this is intended to squeeze some sort of final concessions on something or if we need to brace ourselves for the start of a bi-national trade war on March 4. A trade war between the two largest and most integrated economic partners in the world with the North Country on the front line in so many ways. Obviously, we urgently need a reversal by Tuesday." Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael S. Cashman said after yesterday's Cabinet meeting "many were given false hope that cooler heads would prevail." In a statement, Cashman said in full: "The suggestion that the original tariffs would be delayed until April 2nd led some to believe that reason had won the day. But that now seems not to be the case. Instead of relief, we are staring down an economic crisis set to take effect on March 4, 2025. "The decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports is not just bad policy—it's an economic disaster in the making for Plattsburgh, the North Country, and the entire U.S.-Canada trade corridor. This move threatens jobs, raises household costs, and undermines decades of economic partnership with our neighbors to the north. "Plattsburgh has built its economy on cross-border commerce. We aren't just "near" Canada—our businesses and workforce depend on Canadian trade every single day. Manufacturers, logistics hubs, small businesses, and service industries all rely on seamless trade with Canada to keep costs low and businesses competitive. These tariffs will disrupt supply chains, shrink investments, and push businesses to the brink. "Every household in the North Country will feel the pain. This isn't just about big businesses—it's about rising costs for groceries, fuel, utilities, cars, and home repairs. With inflation already straining family budgets, these tariffs pile on unnecessary financial stress for hardworking families. "Decisions that reshape lives and livelihoods often happen far from the center of impact. Washington, D.C., is miles away from the North Country, but the weight of their choices falls on our businesses, our families, and our way of life. Once again, tariffs threaten to drive a wedge between us and our closest economic and cultural partner—Canada. "But here's the reality: policies may shift, but our relationships endure. The North Country and Plattsburgh have long been defined by our commitment to one another—across borders, across industries, and across generations. We are not just neighbors; we are partners. We live, work, and grow together. "To our Canadian friends: We know there is work to be done, but let us not retreat from our shared culture and economic ties. From trade to tourism, manufacturing to agriculture, our futures are interwoven. We must continue to advocate for a stronger, more connected region—not one divided by shortsighted policies. Assemblyman Billy Jones said he was "disappointed by the Canada tariff date reversal announced today just after they announced it would be postponed until April 2nd. As a border community with many Canadian businesses and a prominent tourist attraction, this will deeply hurt North Country businesses and residents. Canada is our friend, and this is no way to treat one of our strongest trade partners and allies. The federal administration needs to stop playing games and must rescind this decision without haste before it permanently damages our relationship with our northern neighbors."

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North Country leaders stunned by tariff deadline reversal

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