Additional Coverage:
- Cell phone data shows Trump’s trade policies are hurting more than just Canadian tourism (businessinsider.com)
New research from the University of Toronto reveals significant economic repercussions from the trade tensions sparked by former President Donald Trump, particularly impacting Canadian visits to U.S. cities. While it was known that Canadian tourism took a hit during the trade war, the latest analysis uncovers a broader decline affecting business travel as well.
Using cell phone tracking data, researchers Karen Chapple, Yihoi Jung, and Jeff Allen found that Canadian trips to American cities dropped by about 42% year-over-year-a far steeper decline than the previously estimated 25% decrease based on border crossing statistics. This drop was not limited to traditional tourist destinations; major commercial centers including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston experienced significant reductions in Canadian visitors.
The study suggests that these declines reflect fewer work-related trips, particularly in sectors like technology and finance. Chapple noted that many flights to tech hubs such as San Francisco used to be filled with Canadian business travelers, a trend that has since diminished. Additionally, mid-sized cities with strong automotive industry connections, such as Grand Rapids and Flint in Michigan, also saw sharp declines, likely influenced by shifting tariff policies.
“These findings highlight how economic ties between Canada and the U.S. remain fragile,” the researchers stated. Out of 267 cities analyzed, only three registered an increase in Canadian visits over the last year.
After a slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced downturn in cross-border travel, it remains uncertain how long this new reduction in Canadian visits will persist. The study underscores the broader economic ripple effects stemming from the trade war and ongoing uncertainties in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
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- Cell phone data shows Trump’s trade policies are hurting more than just Canadian tourism (businessinsider.com)