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by Daniel Duric
GRANBY, QC — Newport Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase joined mayors from Vermont and Quebec in calling for the removal of tariffs affecting communities on both sides of the border.
The Union of Quebec Municipalities and Vermont Mayors Coalition held a joint press conference at Granby City Hall on September 5, where elected officials testified to the negative impact tariff measures are having on local economies, businesses and residents.
“It was really meaningful to meet with a binational group of mayors from Quebec and Vermont, and to hear stories about the many things we have in common,” Ufford-Chase said. “All of us are struggling to get housing built. All of us are trying to support local businesses that are stymied by the tariff war started by President Trump. All of us, on both sides of the border, are feeling the economic heat due to far fewer tourists who are willing to cross the border.”
The coalition argues that U.S. tariffs on Canadian products and retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada work against both economies. Quebec and Vermont are strategic business partners in tourism, manufacturing, agricultural, food and energy sectors.
“Ties forged between Quebec and Vermont mayors are made to last. Our communities have always been tightly interconnected,” said UMQ President Guillaume Tremblay, mayor of Mascouche. “We know that whatever affects businesses and families in Vermont also affects us in Quebec, and vice-versa. It’s imperative that our governments take meaningful action now to re-establish fair and sustainable trade relations.”
Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak emphasized the long-standing connections between the regions.
“Vermont and Quebec have long established economic, cultural, and social connections, and I am grateful for the opportunity to deepen these bonds between our communities,” she said. “While we will work together to maintain these important partnerships, we need our federal government to reverse the short-sighted and harmful trade actions taken against our Canadian neighbors.”
Other Vermont mayors participating included Barre Mayor Thom Lauzon, Montpelier Mayor Jack McCullough, Rutland Mayor Mike Doenges and St. Albans Mayor Tim Smith.
The UMQ and VMC said they will continue pursuing efforts in partnership with chambers of commerce and other levels of government to ensure municipal voices are heard on trade issues.
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Categories: Business, National/International News
Trump really did put his thumb on the free market scale with his tariffs. And, like dictators, made decisions all by his lonesome. Too bad he didn’t ask congress if they approved of tariffs before he implemented them. The problem there, as he sees it, is that our representatives would have a voice, rather than falling in line like lemmings.
Interesting, no Democrat POTUS ever implemented anything on their own? Constitution does give powers to Presidents, this particular case is still pending adjudication by SCOTUS, as does historical precedent, think Louisiana Purchase. Lemmings are the norm in that party along with gross hypocrisy
How do you live with yourself? The tariffs are to level the playing field. Trump is doing what most won’t, and that is what I voted for. Maybe if our mayors, governors, and the like would support Trump instead of fighting him constantly, they could see a positive change. But, then they’d have to admit he might know what he’s doing. He’s not a dictator, he was elected by the people for the people. We spoke, listen up!
Josh, what Vermont businesses are benefiting from the tariffs?
Do you have a clue what Canada was charging us on dairy products? Doubt it. They have been low balling us for years. Ever wonder why Canadians buy there milk here and take back across the border? Open your eyes man, are you saying things were better before Trump? Really? Change is coming, fight if you want.
Well, Josh, not sure if you read the question correctly so I’ll ask again: What Vermont businesses have benefited from the tariffs? If you don’t know, try asking around. You can get back to me later if you need to.
I don’t know what businesses are benefiting, nor which are loosing. I do know, we as a country have been getting raked over the coals for a long time. If the country runs more profitable, then it’s citizens should eventually benefit from it as well. I just don’t believe our local government should be trying to undermine the federal government by making side deals. It’s gonna be rough for a while, we will all have to see the outcome of the changes. Maybe get a second job to make ends meet?
Josh, thanks for a sensible reply. While I think it is a terrible idea to make our citizens suffer, there is no end in sight. There are definitely business hurting from tariffs and the trump administration’s attack on our economy. Kentucky bourbon, new england foresters trying to sell logs, the real estate market in Florida.
The us has not been getting raked over the coals. We are the wealthiest country in the world.
Our local governments, in my opinion, need to watch out for the federal government. Locals need to retain ties with foreign countries that we have had relationships with. I’m not a fan of big federal government. On this forum people prefer big government. That’s not the republican party I grew up with.
It may be that our economic policy needed to be shifted, trump’s approach to cut the rope hurts millions of americans while he sits comfy. It would be more practical to negotiate before telling our neighbors they are horrible people and should relinquish their sovereignty to us.
Tariffs are in our constitution and they have been placed because of Canada’s excessive taxes already in place.
Keith, you are correct: Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: This clause gives CONGRESS the power “to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises”. Tariffs are considered a form of these duties and imposts. So, to reiterate my position, if trump asked congress for approval that would be better. But he didn’t. Yet another reason why he is a dictator wannabe. And another reason why i believe he is not a republican.
Headline fixed:
Mayors blame tariffs to conceal their destructive regulatory, environmental, and postmodern-socialist agendas
What is this “free” market people keep eluding to? What is this “liberty and freedom” notion people believe we have and rights thought to be self-evident?
Is there one aspect of our “free” society that isn’t leveraged, regulated, taxed, surcharged (with additional penalties and interest if applicable), monitored, surveiled, archived, comply or be denied, pay up and shut up – or seizure of property, assets, or earnings guaranteed? Are utilities considered free market? What “free” choices do we have that isn’t under control of our overlords? The great social contract = a great ponzi scheme and forfeiture of liberty and freedom that was written down as a birthright – not anymore – codified and ratified Acts that paper over the Constitution – the Republic folded and sold off – no one noticed or seemed to care.
By the way, Congress is passing legislation to censor speech and penalize “free” enterprise should they decline engaging or disparage one specified State frenemy of the Union. To bake a cake or not bake a cake? To print a poster or not print a poster? Keep flipping the scripts just to make the Uniparty technocracy more powerful, more wealthy and more tyrannical. We get to pay for it all, comply or else. Carry on!
The 35% tariff on certain, Canadian goods would be rescinded over night if Carney aggressively enforced human trafficking and drug smuggling crimes. Canadians have only themselves to blame. What would they have us do, build a wall?
Yeah, canada is to blame. It’s not like trump said he wanted to take over their country, eh?
Before Trump initiated the tariffs on other countries, no one ( mayors, governors, representatives and senators or the population) cared about the tariffs we all were paying to other countries, slowly increasing the national debt.
We paid tariffs to other countries? Please explain how that works.
Nick, very surprised at your comment. Other Countries charge us taxes (Tariffs) for goods sent to us from their Countries, most of the new US Tarriffs are retaliatory in amounts equal to that countries charge to US on their products we import. Has been going on since at least 1790’s. Tarriffs in the beginning of our Country were the only income to US Treasury. One tariff on Canada now is because we are assuming the costs both monetary and social for their lack of supporting enforcement of drug activity across the border.
Re: Paying tariffs to other countries.
I’ve explained this to you several times in the past, Mr. Rosato. But clearly, you still don’t understand. So, I suggest you reread what I tried to explain to you in early July. And despite my better judgement, I’ll try to elaborate on any further questions you may have, … as long as you demonstrate a willingness to consider the information in some detail.
https://vermontdailychronicle.com/chinese-consulate-responds-to-vdc-commenters-following-diplomats-visit/comment-page-1/#comment-94997
Jay, regarding Fridman’s quote: “But when the government — in pursuit of good intentions, tries to rearrange the economy, legislate morality, or help special interests, the costs come in inefficiency, lack of motivation, and loss of freedom. Government should be a referee, not an active player.” That supports my position that trump tariffs are bad. I view his tariffs as rearranging the economy. Unless the economy is unaffected by tariffs.
And I’m really curious: do Americans write a check to other countries for those country’s tariffs? I don’t believe they do, but could be wrong. I also do not believe other countries write checks to the US for tariffs. As far as I understand it, the importer pays the tariff. The receiver pays the tariff, not the shipper.
Ron, trump talked about helping the US economy. Can you name three vermont businesses that have benefitted from his tariffs? For that matter, CAN ANYONE READING THIS name three business that have benefited from tariffs? And if so, please point to something that says they are happy about tariffs.
Mr. Rosato: There are more ways to pay tariffs than individually writing checks to other countries.
If, for example, the U.S. government, in an attempt to prop-up milk prices, purchases milk from U.S. dairies, and instead of throwing the milk away (which sometimes does happen) makes a deal to sell the milk to Canada or to Canadian organizations that re-sell the milk to Canadians, the U.S. government will pay Canada’s exorbitant tariffs on dairy products to make the deal. Sometimes, however, it’s less expensive to just dump the milk. It depends on the tariff, which varies for many reasons.
But is that the U.S. government paying the tariff, or individuals writing checks?
Again, it depends. Every time an individual pays federal income tax (often with a check to be sure), the individual taxpayer is designating at least a portion of that check as payment of the Canadian tariff the U.S. government has agreed to pay.
Re: Government should be a referee,…
Indeed. And, as I explained back in July, Trump is not initially ‘rearranging the economy’ of his own accord. He’s correcting an existing and arbitrary trade imbalance previously imposed by Canada through its pre-existing unilateral tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump’s tariffs are ‘reciprocal’. If Canada eliminates its tariffs, Trump will eliminate the reciprocal U.S. tariffs.
To say otherwise reminds me of Paul Newman’s line in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – “If he’d just pay me what he’s spending to make me stop robbing him, I’d stop robbing him.”
Re: “CAN ANYONE READING THIS name three business that have benefited from tariffs?”
U.S. Business Sectors Benefiting from Tariffs
U.S. tariffs, particularly those implemented or expanded in 2025 under the Trump administration (including a baseline 10% on most imports, higher rates on China up to 145%, 25% on autos from Canada and Mexico, and sector-specific duties on steel, aluminum, and more), aim to protect domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive. This has led to increased demand for U.S.-produced alternatives, reshoring of manufacturing, and job creation in certain areas. Based on economic analyses and business reports, here are three key sectors benefiting:
– Manufacturing (General and Steel/Aluminum Subsectors) Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and imported manufactured goods (e.g., 50% on steel and aluminum, 25% on autos) have reduced foreign competition, boosting domestic production. Companies like Steel Dynamics have seen stock rallies and higher demand for U.S.-made products, with economists noting job growth in protected areas. For instance, tariffs have encouraged investments in U.S. factories, such as Hyundai’s $21 billion commitment to domestic manufacturing from 2025-2028. This sector benefits from reshoring, as firms like Honda shift production (e.g., Civic Hybrid from Japan to Indiana) to avoid duties.
– Agriculture and Agribusiness Higher tariffs on imported grains, food ingredients, and meat have increased demand for U.S.-sourced products. Companies like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Bunge Limited, Tyson Foods, and Pilgrim’s Pride are positioned to gain from domestic sourcing preferences, especially if retaliatory measures from trading partners like China reduce U.S. exports but favor local producers. Fertilizer makers such as CF Industries and Mosaic Co. also benefit from anticipated rises in domestic agricultural output. Analyses project this sector’s resilience due to trade exemptions and lower reliance on high-tariff imports.
– Defense and Aerospace As the U.S. prioritizes domestic procurement amid national security tariffs, defense contractors are seeing more opportunities for U.S.-made equipment. Firms like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Technologies, and Northrop Grumman benefit from increased contracts and reduced competition from foreign suppliers, particularly in military hardware and aerospace components. This sector’s gains are tied to policies emphasizing sovereignty, with tariffs on autos and metals indirectly supporting supply chains for defense manufacturing.
Jay, so funny. There are not “more ways to pay tariffs to other countries.” You then follow up with ‘If’. Hypotheticals are weak. And then within your hypothetical write “the U.S. government will pay Canada’s exorbitant tariffs on dairy products.” I do not believe you. I still believe the importing business pays the tariff because that is how tariffs work. If you are suggesting that the US will lower its prices that is one thing. That is not the same as literally paying the tariff with a line item on your balance sheet.
Your response reminds me of a sound bite from Scott Bessent. To quote Talking Heads song Crosseyed and Painless “I’m still waiting.” Still waiting for actual accounts paid and accounts receivable. I believe trump tariffs are paid by a check, or electronic payment, by the company that imports the goods. You have yet to address that claim.
RE: “Again, it depends. Every time an individual pays federal income tax (often with a check to be sure), the individual taxpayer is designating at least a portion of that check as payment of the Canadian tariff the U.S. government has agreed to pay.” Show me where the US government has agreed to pay tariffs to Canada? Income tax is no such evidence. And this is what is referred to as “passing it along” rather than “paying the tariff.”
RE: “Trump is not initially ‘rearranging the economy’ of his own accord. He’s correcting an existing and arbitrary trade imbalance previously imposed by Canada through its pre-existing unilateral tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump’s tariffs are ‘reciprocal’. …. Semantics. Your use of “correcting” is the same as “rearranging”. I nearly fell over with laughter at this one.
If Trumps tariffs are reciprocal, his scope needs adjusting because he missed the mark with Heard and McDonald Islands. (Incase you didn’t know, the wildlife who inhabit those islands don’t engage in commerce with the US.)
Lastly, your AI generated response to businesses that are benefitting from tariffs is a beautiful list of big businesses. Thanks for listing those. I honestly did not know that. Can your AI find any responses from those companies (press releases, interviews, etc) that support tariffs or is the AI just assuming they are doing better because, as the AI suggested, the tariffs “aim to protect domestic industries”? Any businesses in VT that support tariffs? Quotes, comments, etc. from real people?
So much for my better judgement. And no – I’m not interested in discussing the wildlife that inhabits the Heard and McDonald Subantarctic Islands.
On the other hand, VDC readers might be interested to understand that the tariffs imposed on these islands prevent other countries from using the islands as transit points to the U.S. to avoid tariffs… believe it or not.
Regarding responses from companies supporting tariffs, consider GlobalFoundries, one of Vermont’s largest employers. While GlobalFoundries was skeptical of tariffs early-on, its CEO has since backed U.S. Tariffs to boost domestic chip demand.
“GlobalFoundries, with its manufacturing facilities in the U.S., stands to benefit from these tariffs. The company is positioned to take advantage of the push for onshoring semiconductor production.
Increased Investment: GlobalFoundries has announced plans to accelerate investments in its U.S. facilities, particularly in Malta, New York. This aligns with the government’s goal of boosting domestic production.
Market Positioning: As a U.S.-based chipmaker, GlobalFoundries is seen as a favorable option for customers, especially in industries like automotive, which are increasingly focused on sourcing domestically.”
Once again – enough said. Go poop on someone else’s chess board.
SERIOUSLY do mayor’s think they are going to dictate what the Executive office in DC does ? If the Mayor’s want to use their time more wisely, they would be contacting Carney to do what the President has demanded. They should be tired of illegal drugs and illegal aliens coming into their cities too, if they were good leaders.
Can’t say for the rest of the mayors involved, but for Burlington, Mayor Emma-Hyphen has a penchant for blaming others for the problems created by herself directly or as a long-term result of her dystopian progressive ideology. She should be more concerned about keeping her own fiscal house in order.
How are mayors of Vermont, making compacts with foreign nations?
Is this more accurately a marxist love fest?
I thought they were sworn to protect and defend our constitution.
Bernie Sanders legacy in Vermont is for all to see on Church Street, every day of the week. Do you want more of this?
I’ll take the tariff rebate category for $600. A bunch of left wing and/or Never Trump Granola Mountain mayors cannot convince me.
I recently spoke with a gentleman (and Trump hater) from New York state, who shared a bus full of Canadiens, who gave him an earful aboot (sic) how butthurt they were about the president’s REMARKS about the 51st state, etc. And they weren’t aboot to spend their loonies in the bad USA.
My question is, why wouldn’t “correctly thinking” Canadiens flock into their beloved favorite spots in Vermont’s hotbed of “resistance” in order to support them? Or aren’t they thinking, really?
Canadians do not know which businesses support trump. Check out the YouTube channel Guard The Leaf for a citizens perspective. He analyzes US news reports and comments about why Canadians do not want to come to the US. We should take them at their word.
Funny though Nick, I see Canadians on the interstate everyday! Wierd, they must be so pissed at us.
Josh, deer do not have citizenship.
Okay Nick, so Trump ran as a Republican because he left the Dems. He’s a business man. He’s using the tariffs to even the playing field with other countries. Then getting them to invest here, by which creates jobs, economic boosts, technological investments, etc. So you’d prefer him to approach the 2 headed snake, Congress and Senate, Democrat and Republican, and be shot down like his last term? I personally don’t mind the charge ahead, we needed a change.
Josh, thank you for your candor. I disagree with you. As frustrating as our system of government is, it has allowed our economy to thrive and for all of us to live the way we do. It is not perfect, admittedly, but a dictator is not the answer either. I know you don’t view him as such, but he is acting like one. I want him and all presidents to approach the two headed snake and swallow their pride. Either that or don’t run for office. If we do not recognize a dictator wannabe in our midst, we are destined to have one in charge. I do not wish to relinquish my local community (state, county, town) rights because of him. He wants it all. It’s best we recognize that and fight against it. Otherwise, why have a conscious to make decisions for oneself? Why have a town? Why have states? If we let him have is way, we well be lemmings.
Nick, what tangible assets are you losing because of Trump?
Nick, first of all. Do you work on Scott’s staff, because you sound just like our glorious governor, the rhino he is. Trump isn’t a dictator, sorry. Let me guess, your also part of the no kings protests too right? Did you forget Covid goofball? Who was it that used his minions to keep us in our homes, wearing masks, get your Fauci orchid, etc? Oh, wait, not Trump? And did Trump force alphabet communities garbage into every aspect of our lives? Was he the one pushing drag queens with filth onto our kids? Was he the one who shutdown small businesses and churches while all the large chains and liquor stores were open? Dude, seriously, open your eyes man. You sound smart, but work on some common sense please.
Josh, Scott is more of a republican the trump could ever hope to be. Common sense tells me that when the feds send masked agents to snatch people from the streets it creates fear, not safety. Common sense tells me that pardoning Jan 6 criminals who injured over 100 police officers and chanted ‘hang mike pence’ that trump doesn’t care about justice for those police officers. Common sense tells me that when one man makes tariff decisions that upend the global economy he is acting like a dictator.
Okay Nick, we will agree to disagree.