Mayors across U.S. and Canada express concern about Trump's tariffs

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Mayors from across the United States and Canada are voicing concerns about President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported goods.

Several leaders from both sides of the border came together Wednesday for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, speaking out on the economic impact tariffs could have on imports.

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While Trump maintains it will be worth it in the long run, some mayors are not buying it.

“These measures hurt Canadians, American businesses and workers," said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

“I’m certain that every mayor here today wants a strong global economy, they want good jobs for their residents, and success for their businesses,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans was among those in attendance.

“My greatest concern is for my constituents who live below or near the poverty line and especially their children," Evans said.

Leaders from both countries are worried about the impact Trump’s tariff policies will have on their communities.

“These trade disruptions could lead to price spikes at grocery stores, hitting working families the hardest,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“These folks already are making impossible decisions with their income and expenses, rent or medicine, rent or healthy foods, rent or school clothes for their children,” Evans added.

Leaders believe the trade war between both counties could raise the price of cars, lumber, steel, gas, food and manufacturing products.

“I would argue a lot of the impacts have already begun, it hasn’t quite rippled out into the mainstream consciousness yet, but it will," said Mat Siscoe, mayor of St. Catherines, Ontario. "Because I think we’re going to see layoffs if people, businesses continue to hold on to capital and choose not to spend because of the uncertainty."

“Nearly 60% of Canadian exports to the United States are intermediate goods such as steel, aluminum and lumber, materials that are critical to many of our industries," Johnson said. "And for US exports to Canada, the share is 50%."

Evans said tariffs on Canada could threaten 55,000 jobs and $17.4 billion in revenue for New York state. He's also concerned about the cost of construction projects potentially increasing, pointing to Rochester’s largest employer.

“The University of Rochester Medical Center is currently building a new emergency room, those costs have already gone escalated," Evans said. "Imagine what tariffs will costs in terms of that disruption in current escalation."

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Trump said tariffs across the board will level the playing field for American workers and businesses, adding that it will be an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives.

“Today, we’re standing up for the American worker and we’re finally putting America first,” said Trump. “Starting tomorrow, the United States will implement reciprocal tariffs on other nations.”

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