Amna Nawaz spoke with Matthew Shoemaker, the mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, about the effects of tariffs on the economies of the United States and Canada. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is located just across the border from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and is the ninth busiest border crossing between the two countries.
Shoemaker described the close ties between the two communities, noting that shopping and recreational activities are common across the border. He mentioned that Sault, Ontario, is a steel town and has been significantly impacted by the steel tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. He stated that Algoma Steel reported losses of one million dollars a day due to the 25 percent tariffs, which increased to 50 percent last summer.
The mayor highlighted the economic interdependence of the two cities, explaining that when Sault, Ontario, suffers economically, Sault, Michigan, is also affected. He noted that the Canadian side of the Twin Saults is about five times larger than the American side, meaning that businesses in Sault, Michigan, rely on Canadian customers.
Shoemaker expressed a desire among his constituents to push back against U.S. tariffs, stating that retaliatory tariffs were seen as a necessary measure to protect the Canadian steel industry. He also commented on the rhetoric from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, indicating that it reflects the frustration felt by many Canadians regarding U.S. policy.
He pointed out that bridge traffic has decreased by 30 percent, and there has been a notable decline in Canadians traveling to Sault, Michigan, for leisure activities, which indicates a significant economic impact from the tariffs. Shoemaker concluded by emphasizing the importance of protecting domestic steel production in Canada to maintain the industry’s viability in the future.