The Cost of Crane: He Rubber-Stamps Tariffs that are Crippling Arizona Families, Small Businesses

FLAGSTAFF, AZ - Today, Canada announced $20 billion in retaliatory tariffs on American goods, further escalating the trade war between the United States and its largest trading partners. President Donald Trump imposed the tariffs without congressional approval, a move Congressman Eli Crane has repeatedly rubber-stamped.

Trump’s tariffs have already cost Americans roughly $317 billion, with small-business importers bearing an average cost of roughly $37,000 per month.

“Congressman Eli Crane’s complicity with this administration is disgraceful. At a time when inflation is already squeezing small businesses and making it difficult for hardworking Arizonans to afford everyday living costs, Crane continues to rubber-stamp this administration’s reckless, anti-business tariffs,” said Nez. “He should know better as a business owner himself. Crane knows exactly what higher costs do to businesses and families, yet he keeps putting his billionaire friends and own political interests ahead of the people he represents.”

Congressman Crane has had at least six chances to repeal Trump’s tariffs. Every time, he voted to block congressional efforts to roll them back, choosing the administration’s trade agenda over Arizona businesses and families.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, employing nearly half of all U.S. workers and creating roughly 1.2 million new jobs in 2025.

Canada is one of Arizona’s top trade partners, as Arizona imported $2.8 billion in goods from Canada in 2025. More tariffs on Canadian goods will only drive prices higher, putting more pressure on small businesses and American families already struggling with rising costs.

SEE ALSO:

• Arizona Commerce Authority: Arizona-Canada
  

• New York Times: Canada Announces 50% Retaliatory Tariffs as Trade War Escalates (8/25/26)
  

• NPR News: A year after 'Liberation Day,' Trump's tariffs are hurting small businesses (4/7/26)