'Great sadness': Tariff war forces border town business to close after 24 years

A Washington business just south of the border that has served Canadians for over two decades is being forced to close its doors due to the ongoing tariff war between Canada and the U.S.

Point to Point Parcel in Point Roberts posted on social media that it will close for good on Saturday, April 19, and confirmed the news with Daily Hive.

“It is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least,” said Beth Calder, co-owner and general manager of Point to Point. “My hopes are now that we have had to make this very hard business decision, we can reach out to all our loyal and valued customers and close our doors with dignity and grace.”

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Point to Point Parcel is a packing and shipping company, as well as a United States address for Canadians and customers overseas. According to Calder, it was the first parcel service through the border on the corner of McKenzie and Tyee in the unincorporated community.

“We have had many loyal customers for the past 24 years in business,” she said. “However, parcel shipping, the receiving business, and incoming deliveries are definitely down. Fewer people are coming to get gas and shop at our grocery store, too.”

According to Calder, government changes and tariffs have affected Point to Point’s business four times worse than COVID-19. She added “with great sadness” that it is continuing to rapidly decline.

“The ongoing government changes that the U.S. has first started with regards to tariffs and then the retaliation of the Canadian government implementing all the new surtax tariffs have scared customers away from wanting to cross the border for purchases.”

Supporters on Facebook thanked Calder and Point to Point Parcel for their help over the years.

“So sorry to hear this,” said one commenter. “You have such an awesome place and your presence will be deeply missed.”

“When I first discovered the ability to pick up at the Point, I only used your location,” added another. “It was great while it lasted. Sad for all that it had come to this.”

Calder reflected the appreciation back to Point to Point’s longtime clients.

“I have always said Point to Point has the best customers around. They have been loyal, and most have been with us since the beginning. This is the hardest part of the closure and we have received so much support from them. I wish all the best for each of them going forward and will greatly miss seeing them each week.”

Residents in Bellingham, about an hour south of Point Roberts, recently claimed that the number of Canadian visitors is the lowest they’ve ever seen.

“Both Trader Joe’s and Costco have been dead,” said one local resident. “Our economy is really going to suffer.

“I wish we could support each others’ small businesses across the borders so that we don’t hurt the individuals while we are trying to make a bigger point. Like, we are the bluest state! But yeah, the Canadians are MIFFED.”

The owner of the family-run Point to Point Parcel encouraged Canadians to continue to support the small community of Point Roberts during the time of tariff tension.

“Every business is being affected by the government changes,” Calder added. “We are hoping that our customers will choose to use one of our competitors and help to keep their businesses going.”