Vermont businesses rally against tariffs harming tourism and local economy
- Vermont businesses expressed concerns about tariffs and their potential impact on operations, including rising prices and supply chain issues.
- During discussions, local industry representatives reported a drop in Canadian tourist visits and emphasized its negative effects on the state's tourism economy.
- Business leaders and stakeholders are advocating for a review of trade policies to safeguard small businesses and mitigate adverse economic effects.
In recent discussions, Senator Peter Welch of Vermont met with local business leaders to address the growing concerns regarding the adverse effects of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Business owners shared their experiences of rising costs and uncertain supply chains, highlighting how these tariffs have caused significant challenges to their operations. Participants in the roundtable discussions, held in Stowe, included representatives from the brewery and sporting goods industries, who emphasized the interconnected nature of their supply chains and how tariffs are already resulting in increased prices for goods that ultimately affect consumers. The participants also pointed to the consequences on the state’s crucial tourism sector, particularly as the relationship with Canadian visitors has soured due to political rhetoric and economic policies. Business owners expressed fears that the decline in cross-border visitors would lead to long-term detriment as tourists seek alternative destinations. Many shared personal anecdotes illustrating the tangible impacts of tariffs, including cancellations of trips by Canadians who felt unwelcome in the current political climate. Etsy's CEO, Josh Silverman, raised similar concerns at a summit in Washington, emphasizing that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the changing trade policies. He stated that while larger companies may receive exemptions, small entrepreneurs working from home are often left without support. Silverman urged for common-sense reforms to ensure that small sellers can thrive without excessive bureaucratic hurdles, reiterating the need to maintain essential trade relations, especially with partners like Canada and Europe. Ultimately, both the Vermont roundtable and the discussions at the summit illustrate a growing consensus among business leaders that the current trade policies, characterized by unpredictability and aggressive tariffs, can undermine the small business economy significantly. As local craft industries and entrepreneurial ventures face unprecedented pressures, stakeholders urge policymakers to consider these repercussions while crafting responses to international trade issues.