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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has criticized the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Upstate New York's economy, particularly its tourism sector. Schumer highlighted a significant decline in Canadian visitors, with nearly 400,000 fewer crossings in May 2025 compared to the previous year, marking a 25% decrease, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data.
The drop in Canadian tourists is affecting businesses in Upstate New York, including those in Lake George, which rely heavily on summer tourism. Schumer emphasized that the tariffs and President Trump's comments about annexing Canada are damaging the relationship with the United States' closest ally and trading partner, Canada. He stated, "As summer sizzles, Upstate NY tourism fizzles thanks to Trump’s reckless and damaging tariff war with Canada."
According to Schumer's press release, the decline in tourism is impacting local businesses, jobs, and the overall economy. Schumer urged New York House Republicans to support a Senate-passed bill to end the tariff war with Canada, which he believes would help restore the economic relationship with Canada.
The data from CBP shows a continued trend of reduced border crossings, with a nearly 22% decrease in April and a 25% decrease in May. Schumer argues that these tariffs are raising costs for families and driving away tourists, which is detrimental to the state's tourism-dependent economy.