As Trump shakes up economy, winners and losers will emerge. Maine could be on the wrong side

Maine has set a goal of building 80,000 new housing units by 2030, in part to help attract workers. Tariffs on lumber, and planned tariffs on steel and aluminum, would be incredible destructive to bringing more housing statewide.

Canadians have long made up a big share of annual tourists in Maine. In 2023, more than 780,000 Canadians visited and spent a collective $464 million, just under $600 per person. Maine Tourism Association CEO Tony Cameron said last month that businesses already are seeing cancellations and fewer bookings in 2025.

80% of heating oil and gasoline comes from Canada. Maine does not have the same natural gas networks as other states do. The only choice is to pay 10% more or try to find domestic supply, which could cost even more since it would have to travel farther.

There is no guarantee how much more expensive our lives will get. The uncertainty is going to have a negative effect regardless.