Schumer Slams Trump Tariffs Citing Major Hit to Niagara Falls Tourism

During a visit to Niagara Falls on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer joined local officials and business leaders to sharply criticize President Donald Trump’s tariff policies on Canadian imports. The Democratic Senate Minority Leader condemned the administration’s sweeping tariff increases - now at 35% - arguing that they are damaging both local businesses and cross-border tourism in Western New York.

Flanked by fellow Democrats, small business owners, and tourism advocates, Schumer made his stance clear.

"I'm announcing when the Senate returns I'm gonna force a vote on the Trump tariffs to get rid of them, for Canada," he said.

However, the initiative faces resistance in Congress. A similar bipartisan effort to challenge the tariffs failed in April after House Republicans refused to support it. Schumer urged his Republican colleagues from New York to join his current push, emphasizing the economic threat to the region.

President Trump defended the tariffs during a press briefing last week, offering a blunt explanation. "They're going to have to pay the fair rate. That's all, it's very simple. And all we want is fairness for our country."

Schumer argues that the tariffs, along with Trump’s earlier remarks about making Canada the “51st state,” are driving away Canadian visitors and harming border economies.

"When Canadians come here and they shop in our stores, and they eat in our restaurants, and they stay in our hotels. It's money brought into Western New York, and so we need it. It's something this community has depended on."

Niagara Falls hotel developer Nirel Patel, president of Rupal Hospitality Development Group, echoed concerns about the financial strain placed on regional development.

"Building in New York state is not for the faint of heart. Between regulation, red tape, and rising costs it's a grind. Add in federal tariffs on construction materials and it becomes cost prohibitive."

While the U.S.–Canada–Mexico Agreement still covers roughly 90% of cross-border trade, the new tariffs have significantly affected key materials like steel, aluminum, lumber, and auto parts. Steel and aluminum now face a 50% tariff, further driving up costs for industries reliant on Canadian imports.

Schumer announced he would formally introduce a Senate vote to repeal the tariffs once Congress reconvenes in September.

“This is a people issue, this is an economic issue,” he said during the event in downtown Niagara Falls. “It’s not a partisan issue, but we just can’t let this chaos continue.”

Since Trump took office, border crossings into Western New York from Canada have dropped by nearly 975,000—a nearly 20% decline. That decrease has translated into significant revenue losses for tourist attractions and local businesses.

Schumer noted that families in Upstate New York are now spending an estimated $2,400 more annually on common goods such as clothing, food, and electronics. Businesses dependent on Canadian suppliers are also seeing their operational costs rise sharply.

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino pointed to the human impact of the tariffs.

“It’s the people who work here, those are the ones who are going to end up suffering if there has to be a contraction.”

The downturn began earlier this year after Trump introduced a 25% tariff on many Canadian imports and made comments suggesting Canada could be treated as the U.S.’s 51st state.

Data from the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission show substantial traffic declines. At the Rainbow Bridge this July, there were 90,677 Canada-bound vehicles and 105,465 U.S.-bound vehicles, plus 118,970 pedestrians. In July 2024, those numbers were much higher: 121,139 Canada-bound, 128,586 U.S.-bound, and 128,756 pedestrians.

Similar drops were recorded at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, which this July saw 114,672 Canada-bound vehicles and 134,169 U.S.-bound ones compared to 133,264 and 161,448 respectively in the same month last year.

Tourist destinations have felt the hit. The Fashion Outlets mall has reported a 30% decline in foot traffic while the Aquarium of Niagara saw an 18% drop in attendance this July. Artpark anticipates losing 60% of its Canadian audience this season, which could cost the venue upwards of $150,000.

Hotel occupancy in Niagara Falls has declined by about 7% compared to last year.

Schumer Slams Trump Tariffs Citing Major Hit to Niagara Falls Tourism