Southbound border crossings in B.C.’s Lower Mainland see sharp drop in 2025
As U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods took effect at the beginning of this year, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of vehicles with B.C. licence plates traveling south via border crossings, according to data from the Whatcom Council of Governments. The data shows a significant 43 per cent decrease in vehicles with B.C. licence plates heading south through Lower Mainland border crossings in March compared to the same time in 2024.
The downward trend in border crossings began in February but accelerated after Trump imposed tariffs in early March. This decline has been attributed to a combination of anti-U.S. sentiment and a desire to stay on the Canadian side of the border. The mayor of Blaine, Washington, a town near the Canada-U.S. border, is urging Canadians to reconsider visiting the region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cross-border relationships.
Mayor Mary Lou Steward expressed understanding for Canadians’ reluctance to support the U.S. due to current policies but highlighted the unintended consequences of boycotting areas like Washington. She emphasized that by avoiding blue states that did not support Trump, Canadians may inadvertently be playing into the president’s hands. Steward stressed the commonalities between British Columbians and Blaine residents and expressed a desire to strengthen ties between the two communities.
In response to the trade war and its impact on cross-border relations, regional cooperation organizations along the West Coast have spoken out against the tariffs. The Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a non-profit organization funded by U.S. states and Canadian provinces, recently signed a resolution committing to advancing bilateral cooperation despite the ongoing trade disputes. The resolution calls for open dialogue between the U.S. and Canada to strengthen their relationship.
Looking ahead, there may be more challenges for Canadians as Trump considers implementing additional global tariffs starting on April 2, which he has dubbed “Liberation Day.” Ravi Kahlon, the B.C. minister leading the province’s response to the trade war, acknowledged the uncertainty and anxiety that residents on both sides of the border may feel. However, he expressed confidence in the province’s ability to weather the storm by diversifying its trade partners and exports.
Kahlon highlighted the support from European and Asia-Pacific trade partners and commended the proactive response from provinces across Canada. Despite the short-term challenges posed by the trade war, he remains optimistic about B.C.’s resilience and ability to emerge stronger from the current economic uncertainties.
