tariffs

Last month President Trump issued an executive order removing tariffs on imported cocoa and coffee. But chocolate prices had already been rising in recent years due to weak cocoa crop yields linked to weather, and Maine chocolate makers say they are still experiencing high costs of production.

The total value of the state's exports, however, is down only slightly compared to last year.

Maine Public's Grocery Price Index rose in October, with prices for several tariff-sensitive items rising the most.

Retailers across town said business is down 10% and 30% since U.S. tariffs — and Canadian countermeasures — went into effect in March.

The Canadian Steel Producers Association says to date 1,000 steel jobs have been lost and production is down 30% as of the end of May.

Patrick Woodcock, President of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, says a deal similar to that struck with the EU would provide stability for Maine's auto and forest products industries.

Restaurants and coffee shops are already reporting less foot traffic from Canadian visitors and locals with strained budgets.

Maine receives more than $900 million in goods coming into the state annually from overseas.

Spring and summer are a busy time of year for Maine florists who typically rely on imported cut flowers to make arrangements for weddings, funerals and other special occasions. But President Trump’s ever-changing tariffs may start to disrupt that. Local flower growers could be the beneficiaries, if they can keep their own costs down.

In recent months Mills has tried to stabilize relations between Maine and neighboring provinces amid tariffs and fears over federal immigration enforcement.