Border towns Fort Frances and International Falls feel trade-war strain: businesses report falling Canadian customers

Business owners in Fort Frances, Ontario, and International Falls, Minnesota, say the trade dispute and derogatory remarks by Donald Trump have reduced cross-border visits and cut Canadian customer traffic for U.S. retailers.

Fort Frances duty-free operator Tom Reid reported buying more Canadian goods; International Falls craft-store owner Leanne Guba said she sees fewer Canadian shoppers and is sourcing new suppliers and Canadian brands. Minnesota state senator Grant Hauschild said he has heard from businesses losing up to 30% of revenue from Canadian customers.

Local officials describe political anger but stress longstanding ties. Fort Frances mayor Andrew Hallikas called Canadians “irate” at Trump and explicitly rejected the notion of Canada becoming a 51st state. The two mayors signed a joint declaration of friendship in 2025.

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect this week, though residents have not seen immediate price changes in shops. The toll bridge across the Rainy River still collects an average car fee of $10, and locals noted that while this year’s tourist season was broadly “decent,” Canadian visits are down compared with earlier years.

Community and family links remain strong: shops carry merchandise from both countries, residents cross for bowling and fishing, and some families live on both sides. But business owners warn that prolonged tariffs and political friction could push consumers and suppliers to find alternatives and permanently change buying habits.

The International Falls chamber of commerce declined to comment, citing a neutral stance to represent diverse members. International Falls mayor Drake Dill said Canadians are “definitely” visiting less—partly due to exchange rates—but asked for Canadian commerce and friendship to continue.

Hallikas added that most Canadians hold no personal rancor toward Americans, but he cautioned that repairing the bilateral relationship may take time even after tariffs end.