Tariffs, Travel Bans, and the Fraying of a Cross-Border Family

The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge has long been a symbol of friendship between the United States and Canada. Spanning the St. Mary’s River on the Upper Peninsula’s northeast edge, it connects two cities with the same name: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. For decades, this bridge has facilitated commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

However, recent tensions between the U.S. and Canada have taken their toll on the bridge’s traffic. The ongoing tariff war sparked by President Trump’s administration has significantly decreased crossings at the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. According to estimates from the International Bridge Administration, local spending in the area dropped by $82.9 million last year due to a decline in Canadian visitors.

The numbers are stark: 270,000 fewer total crossings last year, with a 24% drop from 2022. This is not just an economic issue; it’s also humanitarian. For many people living on both sides of the border, crossing the bridge was more than just a necessity – it was a way to visit family and friends or simply enjoy a day out in a nearby city.

Geographer Michael Broadway notes that ordinary people can only do so much about federal politics, but they can indeed vote with their feet. The fact that Canadians have chosen to boycott the U.S. as a result of Trump’s policies is a potent reminder of the power of economic sanctions in shaping international relations.

The Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge is not just any bridge; it’s a critical gateway for commerce, and its decline has significant consequences for both countries. The publicly owned bridge depends on tolls to maintain operations, and decreased traffic puts this revenue at risk. As the bridge authority’s five-year plan warns, border challenges can negatively affect trade, tourism, and ultimately, the sustainability of the bridge itself.

The people living on both sides of the border are paying the price for this feud. Local business owners report a significant decline in sales, while families struggle to maintain their cross-border relationships.

In the past, politicians like Jack Bergman recognized the importance of this bridge in fostering economic and cultural ties between the U.S. and Canada. However, Trump’s administration has taken a hardline stance on trade and immigration, abandoning its predecessors’ commitment to cross-border cooperation.

The contrast between then and now is striking. As Don Gerrie, mayor of the Michigan Sault, notes: “We don’t like to say there’s a border there, because we’re twin cities. We’re one family, the countries of Canada and the United States.” It’s time for politicians on both sides of the border to remember this spirit of cooperation and work towards rebuilding trust between nations.

The fate of the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge serves as a microcosm for the broader trends shaping international relations in this era of rising nationalism and protectionism. As we navigate these complex waters, it’s essential to remember that cross-border relationships are not just economic; they’re also deeply personal.