Trump Lifts Tariffs on Selected Canadian Goods Ahead of Midterms
The policy shift provides economic relief to northern border states where vulnerable Republican candidates face difficult congressional races.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation exempting select Canadian agricultural, forestry, and packaging goods from 50% import duties. The decision came less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm elections following appeals from northern border Republicans.
The order eliminates tariffs on plywood sheets, select paper products, refrigeration equipment, agricultural machinery, and specific packing crates. To replace the exempted goods, the administration added new 50% tariffs on Canadian carpets, valves, and waste products. The changes take effect on October 30.
Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, announced the exemptions before the White House made its public release. She said the relief covers nine product categories needed by growers of blueberries, potatoes, apples, and seaweed. Collins added that Maine farmers cannot replace these Canadian supplies domestically without facing high costs.
Collins faced pressure after a domestic manufacturer of cardboard tote boxes stopped operating. She previously secured exemptions for Canadian cement and road salt, which challenger Troy Jackson criticized by saying families cannot eat salt. An October Suffolk University poll showed Jackson leading Collins 49% to 47%.
Other Republican candidates have pushed back against the cross-border duties. In Michigan, Senate nominee Mike Rogers ran advertisements stating that Canada is not an American enemy. New Hampshire Senate nominee John Sununu said the trade dispute makes no sense and urged Congress to reclaim its tariff authority.
The trade dispute began in August after bilateral talks collapsed. The White House invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to place 50% tariffs on about $20 billion in Canadian goods. Canada responded with $27.6 billion in duties on American steel, dairy, electronics, and agricultural machinery.
A New Jersey food importing company filed a federal lawsuit challenging the administration's use of the 1930 tariff statute. In public opinion, a September AP-NORC poll showed that 64% of American adults believed Trump went too far with foreign tariffs.
The White House stated that the adjustments serve the public interest while penalizing Canadian trade practices. The United States Embassy in Canada accused Ottawa of targeting border states to interfere in American elections. Trump told reporters in Washington that the two countries are very close to a wider deal.
The tariff adjustments take effect on October 30 ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. American and Canadian negotiators continue to discuss a broader trade agreement, but officials said a deal is unlikely before the vote.
