Trump exempts some Canadian goods from 50% tariffs in a boost for Susan Collins

The exemptions

The Trump administration signed a decree on Friday, 23 October, that lifts the 50% tariffs on a set of Canadian products. According to the White House, the exemptions cover plywood sheets, certain paper products, some machinery and refrigeration equipment, packing crates and boxes, and fresh and dried seaweed. The stated aim is to offset the burden the duties place on US commerce while better serving the public interest. The changes take effect on 30 October, four days before the 3 November midterm elections. Canada's trade minister Dominic LeBlanc told AFP that Ottawa is taking note of the latest American measures.

Collins and the Maine race

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine had pushed for the relief and said she secured the exemptions after talks with trade representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. She said the relief would help blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers in the state, and she argued that tariff costs were hitting Maine families and businesses. Collins is in a close contest with Democrat Troy Jackson, and a poll conducted between 16 and 20 October had the two tied at 49% each. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden criticised the decision as a desperate last-minute attempt to save her career.

I have asked for tariff relief for these important products and stressed the burdens additional costs impose on Maine businesses and families.

Background to the dispute

Trump imposed the 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports in August, after negotiations between the two countries collapsed. Canada responded in September with tariffs of 15% to 50% on $20 billion of US goods. Around 70% of Canadian exports go to the United States, according to newsORF. Trump also dropped a threat to shut the Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier out of the US market after Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas intervened. On Friday, Trump said Canada was working on an agreement with the United States.

Jackson's response and the Senate stakes

After the announcement, Jackson accused Collins of enabling the tariff chaos and of voting to confirm the officials behind it. He said Trump's trade policy had made life harder for Mainers.

Trump's trade wars have made life harder and more expensive for Mainers

Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats, against 47 for Democrats and their allies, according to Notícias ao Minuto. Handelsblatt reported that Republicans will probably need to win the Senate races in northern states such as Maine to defend their majority.

What happens next

The exemptions and the newly added duties both take effect on 30 October, according to the White House. Collins said she will keep working with administration officials to seek further tariff relief and a broader trade agreement with Canada. Voters in Maine and across the country go to the polls on 3 November.