Statement From Senator Sean Ryan Regarding Tariffs Imposed On Canada By President Trump

BUFFALO – Today, February 2, 2025, New York State Senator Sean Ryan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business, released the following statement in regards to tariffs that have been implemented by the Trump administration:

“Donald Trump’s economic war with Canada will have a disastrous impact on New York’s economy. Canada is New York’s number one trading partner; we export more than $19 billion in goods and services to Canada every year. Small businesses are likely to be hurt the worst, with nearly 700,000 jobs in New York dependent upon our trade with Canada. Canada has already responded with retaliatory tariffs, which is no surprise given the unjust tariffs being launched by the Trump administration. 

“Here in Buffalo and Western New York, our strong ties with our friends to the north are an integral part of our economic identity. More than 3 million Canadians visited Erie and Niagara counties to shop last year, creating an economic impact of $933 million. Canadians come to our region to go to Bills, Sabres, and Bandits games, and visit our world-class museums and architectural treasures. Sadly, we are already seeing the backlash with talk of Canadians boycotting the United States, and at an NHL game last night the Canadian crowd booed during the playing of our National Anthem. Without trade between our two counties, and with fewer Canadians making the trip to Buffalo and Western New York, our local economy will suffer.

“There is no doubt that Donald Trump’s message of fixing anti-worker trade policy resonated with many voters. Unfortunately, in the last two weeks we have seen the Trump administration launch attacks on organized labor and implement aggressive anti-worker policies. I urge the President to back off of these overbroad tariffs, and focus on lowering costs for New Yorkers and all Americans by taking constructive action to actually protect American jobs.”