US-Canada trade war hurting Maine businesses, workers and consumers

MAINE PUBLIC • August 24, 2026

Collapsed trade talks between the U.S. and Canada have resulted in 50% tariffs from the Trump administration on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports. And now Prime Minister Mark Carney is promising matching tariffs on U.S. imports beginning Sept. 8. Lee Umphrey, president of Eastern Maine Development Corporation, said the folly of the trade war is hurting businesses, workers and families. He fears rising costs of wood products and energy may lead companies to lay off workers. He said the war in Iran and federal cuts continue to generate economic uncertainty for businesses and consumers.