Maine State Chamber Statement on Import Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

For Immediate Release                                                                                           
Monday, February 3, 2025
Media contact: Katie Clark
207-233-2230 (cell)
 
AUGUSTA, Maine (Feb. 3, 2025) – The Maine State Chamber of Commerce has been monitoring the news regarding President Trump’s proposed tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The White House announced on Saturday that the planned tariffs would go into effect on February 4, 2025, and apply to all imports.
 
These tariffs would significantly impact trade relations with the United States' largest trading partners. Of particular concern for the State of Maine are the proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% tariff on energy imports. Canada is Maine’s top trading partner, and Maine is in a particularly unique situation being second in the nation both in the percentage of Maine’s imports coming from Canada (67%) and exports going to Canada (52%).    
 
The Maine State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patrick Woodcock issued the following statement in response:
 
“The broad and significant tariff imposed on Canadian imports will be particularly damaging to our state’s economy given Maine’s unique and significant trade position with Canada. While we welcome a comprehensive strategy to promote domestic manufacturing, we are concerned that applying a tariff to all imports will be disruptive to existing supply chains and manufacturing in Maine, and result in a material increase in energy costs right when Maine businesses and households are struggling with energy bills this winter. We hope for a quick resolution so as to not disrupt supply chains and avoid extended increased costs on Maine households and businesses.”