New billboards across Central Florida are drawing attention to the potential economic impact of tariffs on American consumers—part of a campaign funded by the Canadian government.
The initiative, which targets 12 U.S. states, including Florida, aims to highlight concerns over recent trade policies. Two digital billboards are currently positioned along U.S. Highway 17/92 in Longwood, warning that tariffs function as an indirect tax on working Americans.
One digital billboard in the Orlando area reads, “Tariffs are a tax at the gas pump,” according to a report from WESH. Another states, “Tariffs are a tax on working Americans.”
Earlier this month, the U.S. government imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, including vegetables, steel, and aluminum products. President Donald Trump defended the tariffs, stating they would help bring jobs back to the U.S. In response, Canada placed a 25% tariff on over $20 billion worth of American goods, including dairy, meat, wine, beer, cosmetics, and various paper products. Canadian officials also warned of potential future tariffs on an additional $86.2 billion worth of U.S. goods if trade policies do not change.
The billboards, which feature bold white text on a black background alongside a logo indicating Canadian sponsorship, have sparked mixed reactions in Florida. Some residents have questioned whether a foreign government should be involved in messaging within the U.S.
While the Canadian government argues that the U.S. tariffs are unfair and harmful to both economies, the debate continues over the long-term impact of these trade policies.