Trump lifts tariffs on some Canadian goods after Susan Collins asks for relief for Maine growers
Packaging, machinery and other goods Maine blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers rely on come off the list, while valves, carpets and waste products go on. The changes take effect Oct. 30.
Trump signed an order Friday removing 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products, Reuters reported in a story published by KSL.com. The White House exempted plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and packing crates and boxes, while adding certain valves, carpets and waste products to the list, according to Reuters. The National News Desk reported that the changes take effect Oct. 30, four days before the Nov. 3 election.
Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican in a close race, said she secured the exemptions after asking U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for relief, The National News Desk reported. Collins said the relief will help Maine's blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, adding, "Many of our farmers and growers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials, and other products from Canada," Reuters reported. Her Democratic opponent, former state Senate President Troy Jackson, criticized Collins for seeking credit and said she helped enable tariffs that raised costs for Mainers, according to The National News Desk. An October Fox News poll had Collins and Jackson tied at 49%, Fox reported.
Reuters reported that Trump imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports in August after talks collapsed, and that he said Friday that Canada is working on a deal; Fox News dated the tariff to July. In Michigan, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has called for an end to the trade war with Canada, The National News Desk reported. Reuters said Republicans will likely need to win both Maine and Michigan to hold the Senate.
What is established
- The tariff changes take effect Oct. 30, The National News Desk reported.
- The tariffs at issue are up to 50% on certain Canadian products.
- An October Fox News poll had Collins and Jackson tied at 49%.
- Reports differ on whether the 50% tariff began in July or August.
What each side says
The relief she sought will help Maine's farmers and growers, who rely on equipment and packaging from Canada.
Collins is seeking credit for relief from tariffs she helped enable, which raised costs for Mainers.
How it was covered
Left No reports
Center 2 reports
Wire and local coverage listed the goods added to the tariff list as well as those removed, and carried Jackson's criticism.
Right 1 report
Fox presented the move as relief Collins lobbied for and paired it with a poll showing the race tied.