MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods took effect on Tuesday, and here in Vermont, we are hearing mixed reactions.
The 50% tariffs kicked in at midnight and affect billions of dollars in U.S. goods. Canada says the tariffs match the ones from U.S. President Donald Trump dollar for dollar and rate for rate.
Vermont has a number of industries that could be impacted, including manufacturing, craft beer, wine, cheese and home construction.
Experts say Vermont and Canada have intertwined supply chains relying on materials in both the U.S. and in Quebec. They say prices in construction could increase if the tariffs stick around, but it won’t be overnight. It’s expected to take several months to notice any difference.
“It won’t affect their price immediately; it’ll affect their prices and bids six-to-eight months from now. That’s when we’re going to see this tariff thing. It won’t be tomorrow,” said Richard Wobby of the Associated General Contractors of Vermont.
Some manufacturers, who declined to speak on camera, say they already only source their materials from the United States and thus are not directly affected by the tariffs.
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