New tariffs between the U.S. and Canada are bearing down on Minnesota's Northland industries, with mining and shipping among the most exposed, local media reported.

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority, which moves more than 35 million tonnes of cargo each year, is watching the trade situation. Minnesota is a major iron ore producer and Canada's top trade partner.

"Anything that affects global trade affects our port," said Jayson Hron, the port authority's director of communication and marketing.

The U.S. levied 50% tariffs on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods after President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney failed to reach a trade deal in August. Canada responded with tariffs of 15%, 25% and 50% on $27.6 billion in U.S. imports. Canada's dollar-for-dollar tariffs took effect on September 8, though the port has felt the impact since 2025.

The Duluth Seaway is the largest port in the Great Lakes, moving iron ore, coal and limestone across Lake Superior. Hron said iron ore is crucial to the port and the wider Northland, and is a domestic commodity and one shipped from the port to Canadian locations and around the world. He added that 85% of U.S. iron ore exports originate in Minnesota.

"When that demand softens, we feel it in our port and throughout northeastern Minnesota," Hron said.

Hron said iron ore exports to Canada from the Port of Duluth-Superior have fallen by roughly 2.5 million tonnes. From a policy standpoint, he said, any policy that reduces iron ore shipments, whether domestic or export, is a negative for the port and the region as a whole.

Canada's tariffs now affect more than 700 U.S. products, including dairy, steel, aluminum appliances, electronics and toilet paper.