In Meredith, New Hampshire, small businesses in the Lakes Region are struggling due to soaring diesel prices, rising costs for imported goods, and a significant drop in Canadian visitors. The Hermit Woods Winery, started by Bob Manley, has seen a decline in orders and is considering layoffs. Despite the winery’s growth, it faces challenges with increased shipping costs and tariffs impacting overall prices.
Customers, like North Carolina’s Hannah Cochran, are tightening their budgets and spending less due to these price hikes. The drop in Canadian tourists has sharply affected local businesses, with economics professor Doug Irwin noting that U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are contributing to the issue.
Congressman Chris Pappas has proposed legislation to exempt small businesses from additional duties and emphasizes that Congress needs to work on solutions. Meanwhile, Manley hopes for a return to better times for his winery and extends an invitation to Canadian visitors to return.
