Montana-Canada Border Traffic Plummets in 2025

Passenger and freight crossings see sharp declines amid trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:47pm

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Passenger and freight traffic across Montana's northern border fell sharply in the first 11 months of 2025, with commercial freight seeing the sharpest decline in at least 30 years. The number of inbound people crossing also saw the steepest year-over-year percentage declines outside of the COVID-19 pandemic. Economy and tourism experts attribute the drop to the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada under the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The decline in border crossings has had a significant impact on communities and businesses along the Montana-Canada border, particularly those reliant on cross-border trade and tourism. It highlights the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions on local economies.

The details

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that full shipping container crossings into Montana fell 21% in the first 11 months of 2025 compared to 2024, while individual crossings dropped 29%. Tourism groups say the decline in crossings is reflected in spending data, with Canadian spending in Big Sky down nearly 17% from January to September 2025.

  • In the first 11 months of 2025, passenger and freight traffic across Montana's northern border fell sharply.
  • The drop in visitors from Canada was accompanied by a large drop in container traffic entering at Montana ports.
  • Since President Donald Trump took office for his second term in early 2025, his administration threatened and then imposed 25% duties on many Canadian goods, with a 10% levy on energy.

The players

Jeffery Michael

Director of the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research.

Racene Friede

President and CEO of Glacier Country Tourism, which promotes tourism in northwestern Montana.

Brad Niva

President and CEO of Visit Big Sky, which promotes the southwest Montana resort community.

Brigitta Miranda-Freer

Executive director of the Montana World Trade Center.

Susan Webber

A Democratic state senator whose district includes the Canada-adjacent Blackfeet Reservation.

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What they’re saying

“The decline in visitation is well beyond what could be explained by exchange rates, the Canadian economy, or other typical factors. It's clearly related to political tensions between the two countries.”

— Jeffery Michael, Director of the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research

“We actually don't anticipate changing in the near term.”

— Racene Friede, President and CEO of Glacier Country Tourism

“Canada is our biggest foreign market. All of our other countries are increasing, except Canada.”

— Brad Niva, President and CEO of Visit Big Sky

“There is a lot of anti-American sentiment in other countries in regards to how we are approaching trade with our long-standing partners.”

— Brigitta Miranda-Freer, Executive director of the Montana World Trade Center

“People who used to go into Canada for hay, tractor parts and lumber have stopped doing it.”

— Susan Webber, Democratic state senator

What’s next

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is currently awaiting a ruling on a lawsuit filed by State Sen. Susan Webber alleging that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration violate the Jay Treaty.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in Montana-Canada border traffic highlights the significant economic impact of geopolitical tensions on local communities. As the U.S. and Canada work to resolve their trade disputes, the recovery of cross-border commerce and tourism will be crucial for the livelihoods of residents along the northern border.