Cyberzenhub.com – Businesses in northern U.S. states are watching a renewed trade confrontation with Canada closely, as fresh tariffs threaten to raise costs, weaken exports and discourage the cross-border visitors who support many local communities. The potential effects are drawing particular attention in states with closely contested congressional races, including Maine, Michigan and Ohio.

For some small companies, the consequences are already familiar. Barters Island Bees, a Maine honey company known for varieties such as “Gentle Ginger” and “Blueberry Lemon,” had expanded consistently before the dispute disrupted travel patterns, chief executive Garret Denniston said.…