PORT HURON, Mich. – Canadian traffic at the border crossing in Port Huron has dropped sharply as mounting trade tensions and tariffs drive away visitors who once filled local restaurants and shops.
Blue Water Bridge passenger vehicle crossings fell to 53,000 in February 2025, down from 66,000 in February 2024, when President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods first took effect.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, March and April data show even steeper declines.
Blue Water Bridge Passenger Vehicle Data (Canada to U.S.)
Feb. 2024: 66,058
Feb. 2025: 52,871
March 2024: 81,792
March 2025: 62,364
April 2024: 80,005
April 2025: 56,606
“Usually our parking lot is at least half full of Canadian cars,” said Joyce Edmondson, owner of Cheap Charlie’s restaurant in Fort Gratiot Township. “(Customers) have actually called, talking about the tariffs, saying they are not coming over because of the president.”
Port Huron Mayor Anita Ashford said her city and surrounding communities are suffering from decisions made in Washington.
“We didn’t strike this match, but we’re all caught up in this brush fire,” Ashford said.
Across the St. Clair River in Sarnia, Ontario, residents shared the reasons why some Canadians are reluctant to cross the border.
“A little bit scared of crossing over and how some Americans might treat us because of what they’re hearing from Donald Trump,” said Sarnia resident Michelle Parks.
Another Sarnia resident, Skye Culverhouse, reflected growing Canadian sentiment about shopping Canadian: “I feel like we have to just stick together as Canadians and support each other.”
Edmondson now has to rely even more on local support.
She’s making some upgrades at her restaurant, such as adding a patio.
“Anything to try to pull in some more of the Americans in, since we have lost a lot of our Canadian friends,” Edmondson said.
