If you only need one place now to occupy the temperature of the relationship between the United States and Canada, consider the Rubber Duck Museum in Roberts Point, Washington.

The museum is located in a small town affiliated to Canada, not mainland America. The only way to drive to the town at the end of the peninsula is through Canada. This unique location makes the town of about 1,200 people rely on nearly everything in its northern neighbors, including customers looking to add rubber duck collections.

Neil and Krystal King are owners of the Rubber Duck Museum and Gift Shop. On display, they have Soviet-era ducks, early Disney toys and rubber ducks belonging to Sesame Street star Ernie. But there is a lot of attraction for 3,000 ducks for sale and what makes the museum float. Most are whimsical, with celebrities and historical figures, cartoons and holiday themes.

But the ducks no longer fly around the shelves. Since President Trump launched a tariff war on countries including Canada and China, Insist on Canada to be the 51st stateCanadian tourists flock to this American outpost. After months of poor sales, 145% tariffs from Chinese goods are now considered, the kings say they are packing up the ducks and crossing the border into Canada.

“We have had a lot of regular and loyal customers throughout the process contacting us, and they are almost all saying the exact same thing,” Kristal said. “They are very offensive to a lot of the White House comments right now.”

In February, President Trump questioned the effectiveness of the U.S.-Canada border treaty in a call to then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump also mentioned that he disliked the long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries and negotiated several deals Since the pause.

President Trump said the tariffs were to stop him from saying he was using the U.S. state, including Canada, and strengthening the country's economic status.

Many Canadians have different opinions on this.

“He (Trump) wants to see a complete collapse of the Canadian economy because it will make it easier for us to annex us.” Trudeau told the news media In March.

After Washington Ottawa imposes 25% tariff on Canada. Trudeau urged Canadians to stay home and spend money at home. That's what many people do.

"They don't like threatened sovereignty," Kristal said. "The only tool they feel they have is to boycott the United States and keep these travel dollars out."

It seems to be working. In March, the number of cars passing through busy transits in Brian, Washington, fell nearly 28% from the previous year, according to the U.S. Transportation Agency. (Canadians make up the largest number of international tourists in the United States, and they generated $20.5 billion in spending last year. According to the nonprofit American Travel Association. ) But this is true Canadian dollar's value has fallen- Despite its recent withdrawal of some losses - making the United States more expensive and more attractive.

"I would say it's a very effective tool," Kristal said. Usually, small towns have bustling streets and Canadians like to cross the border for cheaper food and gas. Today, shops and restaurants are almost empty.

"Every time we have talks, they are very polite in a real Canadian way," she said. "It's very apologizing for our personal impact. But yes, they feel very strongly about this issue right now."

There are other factors working. Almost all ducks sold by the king in their gift shop are made in China, so they suffer from President Trump's reign against China and Take effect last month.

Business owners say someone is going to pay how much limits for rubber ducks.

"We have already had to keep prices artificially low because of the Canadian dollar and the US dollar," Kristal said. "So our customers have damaged purchasing power."

The King, who opened the museum about a year ago, said they simply could not afford to keep the Rubber Duck Museum open in Point Roberts. But they also don't want to close the door. "It's so unique, so fun," Neil said. "The people who just laugh...we just don't want to lose that."

This summer, they plan to move the museum’s collection and shop across Canada across the border before reopening. They don't have to pay 145% tariffs to Chinese ducks. And they won't be in the whimsical way of international diplomacy, nor do they lack it. They will continue to live in Roberts Point, where they call home and where they raise their 3-year-old daughter.

Even if President Trump suddenly abandons tariffs, the kings said they will still move the small museum to Canada.

“It’s just a volatile day to wake up every day, ‘Is it tariff day?’ Neil said. “It’s not a sustainable business model for any small business, let alone small businesses relying on Canadian tourism. ”

"To be honest, this is not the step we want to take," Kristal added. "We love having quaint little shops here. It means a lot to us...but it's not the option to move ducks to Canada or leave them here. It's the option between moving to Canada or closing."