A U.S. store that depended on Canadian customers has announced its closure

A U.S. store that depended on Canadian customers has announced its closure, attributing the decision to tariffs and President Trump's policies.

Point to Point Parcel, a shipping and receiving company located less than 1,000 feet from the Canadian border, managed to endure the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic when non-essential travel restrictions lasted over a year and a half.

However, the business could not withstand just three months of heightened trade tensions and tariffs introduced during the Trump administration, which significantly impacted its mainly Canadian customer base, co-owner Beth Calder told Fox News Digital. "During COVID, crossing the border wasn't an option. Now, people are opting not to come," Calder explained. "Our business couldn't last for months, let alone four years without their daily patronage.

" Traffic from British Columbia (B.C.) to Washington has plummeted following President Trump's tariffs and past comments suggesting that Canada could become America's 51st state. Point Roberts, a U.S. exclave with a population of slightly over 1,000, has been severely affected. Although it is part of Washington state, it's situated at the end of a Canadian peninsula, bordered by water on three sides, requiring travelers to cross the border twice to reach it from mainland Washington. Calder's parcel service primarily offered Canadians a U.S. address for online shopping in the American market. However, business saw a stark decline in early March, a trend that has continued to worsen. After 24 years of operation, Calder announced that Point to Point Parcel will shut down on April 19.

"Our business loss is due to the actions taken by the government," she remarked. Data shows a significant decrease in B.C. vehicles heading south through the primary crossings in Blaine, Washington, with a 29% drop in February compared to the previous year, followed by a 43% reduction in March, and over 50% in the first week of April. Local officials are concerned this decline could have serious economic repercussions for Whatcom County, a popular shopping destination for Canadians seeking gas, groceries, and other items. Previously, Canadian visitors contributed around $140 million annually, representing 11.7% of the taxable retail sales in the county, according to the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University. However, tariffs and discontent with President Trump have led many Canadians to steer clear of cross-border visits. The mayor of Blaine, where Washington's busiest border crossing is located, expressed understanding in a CBC interview last month regarding the Canadian decision to boycott America. While acknowledging the situation, Mayor Mary Lou Steward stated, "By boycotting blue states like Washington, you are actually satisfying Trump, who doesn't favor these states. By causing Blaine economic hardship, you are only making him happier." Tourism remains a vital economic component for Point Roberts. The area is known for its beaches, hiking trails, golf course, and marina, making it a favored getaway. Many residences are owned by Canadians or other international buyers and would typically be bustling with activity by this time in spring, Calder noted, a dual citizen and lifelong resident of Point Roberts. "It feels strange to drive around and see those homes empty," she said. "Unless an agreement is reached between the two countries, Point Roberts will continue to face significant challenges." Calder urged Trump to "slow down" and consider the broader impact rather than focusing solely on "certain major cities." "There are many small towns along the U.S.-Canada border equally affected by these decisions," she added. Calder expressed hope that Canadians who have supported Point Roberts businesses over the years do not blame the local community for the federal government's stance.

"This is not our community's choice; it's the president's decision," she stated. "Point Roberts shouldn't bear the brunt of a decision that wasn't made locally." On Tuesday, markets responded positively after Trump announced a 90-day pause on some of the sweeping tariffs he had implemented.
Fox Business
Edited: Bosman