'We're resilient': Maine businesses brace for new round of Canadian tariffs

September 8, 2026 - 17:10

Canada is officially striking back in the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, and Maine businesses are feeling the pressure. New tariffs from Ottawa took effect this week, targeting a wide range of American goods, and many local companies are now scrambling to adjust their supply chains and pricing structures.

The move comes after months of escalating tensions between the two neighbors. For Maine, which shares a long border with Canada and relies heavily on cross-border trade, the impact is immediate. Industries like forestry, seafood, and agriculture are particularly exposed. One lobster distributor in Portland said the new 25 percent duty on processed seafood could force him to raise prices for Canadian buyers, who make up a significant share of his market.

Still, business owners are trying to keep a steady tone. "We have been through this before, and we will get through it again," said Sarah Kimball, who runs a family-owned blueberry export operation in Washington County. "We are resilient. We are finding new buyers, and we are leaning on relationships we have built over decades."

Others are less optimistic. A manufacturer of boat parts in Bath noted that Canadian tariffs on steel and aluminum components could add thousands of dollars in costs per order. He said he is exploring domestic suppliers but expects delays and higher expenses in the short term.

State officials have stepped in, offering emergency loans and export counseling. The governor's office issued a statement urging federal leaders to negotiate a swift resolution. Meanwhile, local chambers of commerce are hosting webinars on tariff mitigation strategies.

For now, the mood is cautious but not defeated. Many Maine firms have diversified their markets in recent years, sending goods to Europe and Asia. That buffer may help, but no one is pretending this round of tariffs will be painless. As one farmer put it, "We will adapt, but it is going to be a long summer."