The United States and Canada are careening towards trade warfare. In return, border communities are receiving acts of generosity and uniting over shared experience and loss. The trade war, pushed by former President Donald Trump’s tariffs, is intended to create American manufacturing jobs. In doing so, it has created significant economic instability in regions, for example, the Great Lakes, particularly the point that Michigan shares with Ontario.
In early April, Trump ordered blanket tariffs of no less than 10% on all goods imported to the United States. This unprecedented action sent tremors across the international markets. This decision suddenly led to additional tariffs on many U.S. trading partners. This in turn poisoned U.S. diplomacy and caused countries across the world to reconsider their relationships with the United States. The tariffs’ collateral damage is mostly felt in the critical automotive sector, where thousands of jobs across the Great Lakes region are now in jeopardy.
Tariffs have set off secondary tariffs through “safeguards,” starting with special tariffs on Chinese imports, as high as 145%. In response, China responded by imposing their own counter-tariffs on American goods, with rates increasing as high as 125%. And now, local economies are beginning to experience the crunch. Most companies in the Great Lakes state are saying they’re experiencing significant drops in sales and foot traffic.
Drew Dilkens, mayor of Windsor, Ont., called the economic times “very challenging.” He noted that the fear and tension has set in among people living on both sides of the border. Even amid the uncertainties of the trade war, they’re working to keep that small-town, neighborhood feel.
Erin Hawkins, a local singer and performer, expressed her frustration with the current situation during a recent night at Villains pub in downtown Windsor. Fridays and Saturdays are always still busy, but there has definitely been a drop in that. They’ve hemorrhaged business,” she said, remembering how the declining ridership has hurt the small businesses that used to thrive on their commuter traffic.
Despite these challenges, members of the community are banding together in creative ways to express their solidarity and appreciation for one another. One such pair of related measures just grabbed two minutes of national headlines! They picked up a US$1,138 tab to feed everybody at a Windsor waterfront restaurant as an expression of gratitude for Canada. Kindness like this has been happening more often as locals try to spread warmth in the community, hoping to create goodwill during rising tensions.
Local musician Luka Backus has leveraged his performances to amplify his community’s frustration and resolve. His lyrics resonate with those feeling the impact of the trade war:
“And so you know, you’re not so great/ There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell we’ll be your 51st state.” – Luka Backus
In his closing remarks, Backus reiterated that he and others have drawn power in solidarity with one another through this difficult period.
“Now we’ve banded all together, your tariff made us strong.” – Luka Backus
With trade negotiations a continual question mark, local businesses are preparing for less international tourism, too. Trade valued at $340 million each day crosses the Ambassador Bridge. Increasing import costs with a rising Rmb would create strong inflationary pressures on the mainland.
Tourism is a major concern for residents, who worry about the impact that these punitive tariffs will have. As U.S. travelers reconsider their upcoming plans, some will decide to skip the U.S. destinations altogether.
Yet amid this climate of uncertainty, the community’s resilience and hope truly inspires. Individuals continue to support one another, reminding each other that despite national policies and political rhetoric, their shared experiences and connections matter most.
A man working for a car rental company at the airport voiced his discontent with the current state of affairs:
“We’re the laughing stock of Europe.”
It is this sentiment of despair that unites residents in both nations. They continue to wrangle with big-picture policy decisions being made thousands of miles away from their kitchens.
As the trade war continues to unfold, locals remain hopeful for a resolution that will restore stability and strengthen ties between the United States and Canada. For the time being, they seek solace in song, communal dinners and human kindness that knows no nationalities.
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