AUGUSTA – Yesterday, the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission held a public hearing on the impacts of federal tariffs on Maine’s economy. The commission heard from members of the public, including state experts and industry leaders, about how President Donald Trump’s tariffs are hurting Maine’s economy and damaging the relationship between the state and its largest trading partner.
According to the Maine International Trade Center, which testified at the hearing, Maine’s exports to Canada are down 18% through the month of August, the most recent month that data is available. Additionally, total Canadian visits to Maine have dropped by 40%, leading to serious revenue losses for seasonal businesses and wage losses for frontline workers.
“After listening to testimony, it’s obvious that President Trump’s tariff policies are hurting Maine people and businesses. They’ve led to lost revenue for Maine companies and lost wages and jobs for Maine workers,” said Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, House chair of the Maine-Canadian Legislative Advisory Commission. “Some of the tariffs make no sense, like raising the cost of imported equipment that isn’t available anywhere in the US. And the chaotic rollout of their announcements, withdrawals and revisions have left businesses unsure of how to proceed with investment and hiring decisions.”
The situation is most dire in the forest products industry. Many timber harvesters and haulers have been forced to shut down, at least temporarily, because the 10% tariff announced in November leaves the industry with no place to sell their wood, and no demand for cutting. At the hearing, industry leaders described it as the worst business conditions they’ve seen in 50-60 years.
While much of the hearing centered on the damage caused by Trump Administration policy that the State of Maine cannot fix on its own, it also highlighted ways the commission can help Maine industries survive the current environment and thrive in the future.
The United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA) has blunted some of the damage of recent tariff policy because so much of Maine’s trade with Canada is exempted from tariffs under that agreement. USMCA is currently in review, and the commission can provide a forum for bipartisan recommendations from the State of Maine to ensure that essential exemptions remain, protecting key industries such as forest products, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.
The commission is scheduled to meet again on January 13, 2026.
Contact:
Meagan Sway (Sayre) | 917-913-7369