Watertown, New York, November 18, 2025
Local businesses in Watertown, New York, are expressing significant concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs and ongoing trade tensions with Canada. The increased costs have forced several establishments, including restaurants and retail stores, to adapt their operations, leading to decreased revenues and economic uncertainty. Senator Chuck Schumer has joined local business owners in advocating for an end to the trade war, highlighting its detrimental effects on the North Country’s economy.
Watertown, New York: Local Businesses Express Concerns Over Tariffs and Trade Tensions with Canada
Watertown, New York – Local businesses in Watertown have joined Senator Chuck Schumer in voicing concerns over the impact of U.S. tariffs and the ongoing trade tensions with Canada. These measures have led to increased costs and decreased revenues for several establishments in the area.
Impact on Local Businesses
At 1812 on the River, a local restaurant, the haddock fish fry special has been removed from the menu due to a significant price increase. The head chef has indicated that the restaurant is currently absorbing the additional costs rather than passing them on to customers. Additionally, the restaurant’s craft beers have been removed from Canadian shelves, resulting in a revenue loss of approximately $100,000.
Similarly, Monthly Boxer, a warehousing and packaging business, has experienced uncertainty with clients due to fluctuating tariffs. The owner highlighted the unpredictability of tariffs on imported goods, which adds financial risk for small business owners.
Market on Main, a retail store in Sackets Harbor, has observed a noticeable decline in foot traffic. The owner expressed concerns about sustaining and growing the business amid these challenges.
Senator Schumer’s Response
Senator Schumer criticized the trade war with Canada, describing it as detrimental to the North Country’s economy. He emphasized the need to end the trade war to prevent further economic harm to local businesses and communities.
In response to the administration’s proposal of $2,000 tariff dividend checks for Americans, Schumer expressed skepticism, questioning the adequacy and feasibility of such measures to compensate for the economic damage caused by the trade tensions.
Broader Economic Concerns
The trade tensions have had a ripple effect on various sectors in the region. Local manufacturers, such as Ward Apparatus in Chemung County, have faced increased costs due to tariffs on materials like aluminum from Canada. This has led to higher prices for customers and potential job losses. Schumer has called for bipartisan legislation to end the costly trade war and protect local industries.
In Western New York, attractions like the Aquarium of Niagara and Artpark have reported significant declines in Canadian visitors, leading to substantial revenue losses. The loss of cross-border tourism has also affected surrounding businesses that rely on Canadian customers.
Overall, the ongoing trade tensions and tariffs have created economic uncertainty for businesses in Watertown and the broader Upstate New York region, prompting calls for resolution to mitigate further adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main concerns of local businesses in Watertown regarding the U.S. trade war with Canada?
Local businesses in Watertown are concerned about increased costs due to tariffs, decreased revenues from lost Canadian customers, and economic uncertainty affecting their operations.
How have specific businesses been impacted?
For example, 1812 on the River removed its haddock special from the menu due to price increases and lost approximately $100,000 in revenue from Canadian sales. Monthly Boxer faces uncertainty with clients due to fluctuating tariffs, and Market on Main has seen a decline in foot traffic.
What is Senator Schumer’s stance on the trade war with Canada?
Senator Schumer criticizes the trade war as reckless and harmful to the North Country’s economy. He advocates for ending the trade war and has expressed skepticism about the administration’s proposal of $2,000 tariff dividend checks for Americans.
How have other regions in New York been affected by the trade tensions?
In Western New York, attractions like the Aquarium of Niagara and Artpark have reported declines in Canadian visitors, leading to revenue losses. Manufacturers like Ward Apparatus in Chemung County have faced increased costs due to tariffs on materials from Canada.
What actions are being taken to address these issues?
Senator Schumer has called for bipartisan legislation to end the trade war and protect local industries. He is also advocating for measures to mitigate the economic impact on businesses and communities in Upstate New York.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Watertown, New York |
| Main Concern | Impact of U.S. tariffs and trade tensions with Canada on local businesses |
| Impacted Businesses | 1812 on the River, Monthly Boxer, Market on Main |
| Senator’s Stance | Criticizes the trade war as reckless and harmful to the economy; advocates for ending the trade war |
| Broader Impact | Decline in Canadian visitors affecting tourism and local attractions; increased costs for manufacturers |
| Proposed Actions | Bipartisan legislation to end the trade war; measures to mitigate economic impact on businesses and communities |
Now Happening on X
- @SenSchumer (November 17, 2025): These are the families paying the price for Trump’s tariffs. I’m in Watertown, on the border of Canada in a Republican Congressional District, with small businesses being crushed by rising costs. We are here today to say enough is enough. View on X
- @SenSchumer (November 15, 2025): Yesterday, Donald Trump admitted his tariffs were raising your grocery prices, was mentioned multiple times in Epstein’s emails, and broke up with Marjorie Taylor Greene because of it—and it’s only going to get worse. View on X
- @SenSchumer (November 14, 2025): Donald Trump is causing grocery prices to soar; at the same time, he continues to fight to keep federal food assistance from those who need it, like veterans, the elderly, and children—the cruelty is the point for Republicans. View on X
- @SenSchumer (November 15, 2025): Trump finally confesses his tariffs are to blame for higher prices at the grocery store. View on X
- @SenSchumer (November 14, 2025): The Trump administration is slow walking nearly $4 billion in funding for LIHEAP—the crucial home heating assistance program that keeps low-income households safe and warm during winter; Trump and HHS need to release these funds immediately. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
