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Four articles that examine Washington’s cross-border trade and tariff impacts

Stories by Bellingham Herald journalists, with AI summarization

These articles show how tariffs and US-Canada tensions are reshaping Washington’s economy. Bellingham business owners say tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico mean higher prices and fewer Canadian customers. Studies from Western Washington University reveal that declines in cross-border travel hurt retail sales and cities like Blaine, which depends on Canadian tourism.

Statewide, Washington could lose billions, as ports in Seattle and Tacoma handle a large share of US exports, and retaliatory tariffs threaten major industries, such as agriculture. Early data also points to a sharp drop in cross-border trips, with fewer Canadians visiting, directly impacting tourism spending in places like Seattle.

Goods are transported via shipping containers at the Washington United Terminal at the Port of Tacoma on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. By Drew Perine

NO. 1: WOULD TARIFFS AFFECT BORDER STATES LIKE WA MORE THAN OTHERS? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

A trade war with Mexico and Canada would have ramifications across the country. Here’s how it would impact Washington state, the west coast. | Published February 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

Chuck and Dee Robinson have sold this Village Books and Paper Dreams store in Bellingham, as well as their store in Lynden. By Kie Relyea

NO. 2: ‘NOBODY WINS’: BELLINGHAM BUSINESS OWNERS DISCUSS LOCAL IMPACTS OF TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS

40% of small business owners said they expect no impact from the tariffs. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alyse Smith

People cross the border between the U.S. and Canada at Peace Arch Park on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Blaine, Wash. By Warren Sterling

NO. 3: ARE BORDER CROSSINGS IN WA DOWN AMID US-CANADA TENSIONS? EARLY DATA SHOWS SHARP DECLINE

Data indicates a 30% drop in cross-border traffic between Washington and British Columbia from mid-January to early February. | Published February 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Daniel Schrager

People cross the border between the U.S. and Canada at Peace Arch Park on Friday, March 18, 2022, in Blaine, Wash. By Warren Sterling

NO. 4: WHATCOM COUNTY STANDS TO LOSE MILLIONS AS U.S.-CANADA TRADE WAR INTENSIFIES

First-quarter effects of Trump tariffs won’t be known for a couple of months. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Robert Mittendorf

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.