The CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Corporation, Tal Czudner, has reported a nearly nine percent decline in daily traffic through the tunnel over the past four weeks compared to the same period last year. Czudner mentioned that this drop is less severe than in other border crossings, where traffic has decreased by around 14 to 16 percent. This reduction translates to approximately 1,000 fewer individuals using the tunnel each day in the Windsor area.
Czudner attributed the decrease in traffic to various factors, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing substantial tariffs and his repeated remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state. Trump recently announced plans to implement a 25 percent tariff on most imports from Canada, citing long-standing trade imbalances. The uncertainty surrounding these tariff threats has led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more people opting to support Canadian products and businesses.
The decline in traffic particularly affects afternoon and evening commuters traveling from Windsor to Detroit. However, Czudner noted that the number of morning commuters, mainly in healthcare, IT, and automotive industries, remains stable.
In response to the challenging economic climate, Czudner emphasized the need for businesses across Canada to reassess their financial strategies, tighten their budgets, and prepare for potential disruptions. He acknowledged the prevailing uncertainty and urged proactive measures to navigate the evolving situation effectively.
Moreover, recent data from the Michigan Department of Transportation revealed contrasting trends among different border crossings. While the Ambassador Bridge experienced a decrease in crossings in January compared to the previous year, both the Blue Water Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel recorded increased traffic. The figures encompass various vehicles, including buses, cars, and trucks using these crossings daily.
