Point Roberts businesses feel sting of U.S., Canada trade war Cascadia Daily News

Point Roberts, a unique American exclave surrounded by Canada, is feeling the economic sting of a trade war, with reduced traffic impacting local businesses. The International Marketplace, the community's sole grocery store, stands nearly empty, reflecting a broader trend of declining visitors. Nearly 40% of the 1,275 residents are foreign-born, many holding dual citizenship, making them particularly vulnerable to changes in U. S. -Canada relations.

A significant factor in this decline is the 32% drop in vehicle traffic recorded since 2019, a trend exacerbated by pandemic-related border closures. Wayne Lyle, local Chamber of Commerce president, emphasizes the community's close ties to Canada, stating, "We’re about as Canadian as an American town can be. " The ongoing trade tensions have left local businesses anxious about their futures, with the summer tourist season, typically a lifeline, now uncertain. As Point Roberts grapples with these challenges, residents find themselves in a precarious situation, caught between two nations. The evolving landscape raises questions about the community's resilience and adaptability amid changing economic conditions.