DETROIT, MI (AP)-- More Canadians are reportedly making overnight shopping trips to the U.S. this year, giving retailers in border areas such as Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie a boost.
The Detroit Free Press reports the increase has been triggered by a strong Canadian dollar and higher duty-free limits that went into effect in June. Under the new rules, the value of merchandise Canadians may bring home tax-free from the U.S. has doubled or quadrupled, depending on how long they visit.
Statistics Canada says Canadians made 1.9 million overnight trips to the U.S. in June, the highest level in 40 years. A slight drop-off occurred in July.
At Detroit's border crossings, the number of Canadians returning from overnight trips in the U.S. rose by about 5 percent during both June and July from year-ago levels.
