WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Local businesses joined New York Senator Chuck Schumer on Monday to discuss how the U.S. trade war with Canada is affecting them.
On the specials board at 1812 on the River in Watertown, Friday is noticeably missing.
After it doubled in price, the haddock fish fry discount is no more.
“You’re left with two options: either you raise the price and pass it on to the customer, or you eat the cost yourself. We’re kind of left with the second option right now,” said John Robson, head chef at 1812 on the River.
Between taking off its haddock special and seeing its craft beers stripped from Canadian shelves, 1812 is one of several area businesses hit by tariffs.
“We were pulled from the shelves, which resulted in a loss of nearby $100,000 in revenue,” said server Nichole Fiacco.
Schumer was joined by 1812 and other local businesses to discuss what he calls President Donald Trump’s reckless trade war with Canada, especially.
“Enough is enough. We must end this destructive trade war with Canada that is crushing the north country’s economy,” said Schumer (D-NY).
Monthly Boxer owner Alex Morgia says the tariffs have caused a lot of uncertainty with his clients. His business provides warehousing and packaging for internet retailers.
“If you’re producing something in a foreign country and shipping it via sea freight, you actually don’t know what the tariff is going to be when it lands when you buy it, so you’re gambling now, and none of these small business owners want to add that risk to their bottom line,” he said.
Similarly, Market on Main in Sackets Harbor has seen a noticeable decline in foot traffic.
“We’re trying to guess what to do next and try to protect what we have now, but then also look forward to how we can be sustainable and grow and continue to invest in the community,” said owner Kelly Clark.
President Trump has floated the idea of giving Americans $2,000 tariff dividend checks, but Schumer isn’t convinced that will happen.
“He’s feeling the heat, so he says he’s going to send checks to people. First, those checks aren’t enough to make up the damage, but second, who knows if they’ll ever come,” he said.
Schumer says the Senate recently passed a bill to end the trade war with Canada. It had bipartisan support. He’s calling on the House of Representatives to do the same.
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