NY Tourism Hit Hard by Canada-US Trade Tensions

The Canada-US trade tensions are having a significant impact on New York's tourism industry. According to recent data, there were nearly 3.6 million fewer Canadian travelers crossing into New York in 2025, representing a 21.2% annual decline.

This trend is set to continue as Canada introduces $27.6 billion in counter-tariffs on September 8, 2026, affecting imports such as steel, dairy, appliances, and electronics with rates of 15%, 25%, and 50%. Research from the Federal Reserve suggests that prior tariff rounds added 3.1% to core goods personal consumption expenditure (PCE) prices through February 2026.

The impact is being felt across various regions in New York, including Niagara Falls, the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs, and New York City. The Niagara Reservation saw a 6.4% decline in recreational visits, while the Adirondacks experienced a 1.9% drop in travel employment.