Local woodworker blames Trump-Canada tariffs for rising costs and lost jobs

Michael Howard, a carpenter who also holds a seat on the Warren County board, reports that the ongoing tariff dispute between President Donald Trump and Canada has sharply increased the cost of the fir wood he imports for his workshop. With domestic timber and sawmills unavailable, he must rely on cross-border supplies, and the tariffs have pushed demand and prices upward. Fuel prices have likewise risen, making deliveries to neighboring states more costly.

To stay afloat, Howard has raised his prices, seen several orders disappear, and been forced to reduce his workforce. The financial strain is spilling over into his home life, where his family is now budgeting more tightly and opting for low-cost holiday activities. He views the situation as a direct consequence of the president's trade policy.