Trump ends tariffs on some Canadian products as Collins faces close race
SPY•Donald Trump removed 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products, including plywood sheets and paper products, with the changes taking effect October 30. He added other Canadian goods to the tariff list, while Maine Senator Susan Collins praised the relief ahead of a close reelection race.
1. Tariff exemptions announced
Trump signed an order removing 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products. The exempted goods include plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, packing crates and boxes, and fresh and dried seaweed. The changes take effect October 30, four days before the election.
2. Other goods added
To offset the relief, Trump added Canadian carpets, paints, waste, shampoos, cocoa powder, wooden coffins, ice cream sticks, air-conditioning machines, chest freezers, archery equipment and canoes to the 50% tariff list. Collins said the exemptions would aid Maine's blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, whose businesses rely on Canadian equipment and packaging.
3. Close Senate contest
Collins had urged the White House to address tariffs affecting Maine companies and farmers. Democrat Troy Jackson, who is challenging Collins in a race polls indicate is very close, said Trump's trade policies had made life harder and more expensive for Mainers. The United States imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports in August, and Canada retaliated in September with tariffs of 15% to 50% on $20 billion in US goods.
