The Trump administration is expanding tariff exemptions for various Canadian products, a move that could be implemented as soon as Friday. The action will remove tariffs on certain agricultural and forestry goods, including plywood sheets, some paper products, and certain machinery and refrigeration equipment.
While some exemptions are expanding, the White House announced that levies will be imposed on new items, such as carpets, certain valves, and waste products. These new measures are scheduled to take effect on October 30.
The shift comes after lobbying efforts by Senator Susan Collins, a Republican candidate in Maine who is facing a tough re-election fight against Democratic challenger Troy Jackson. Collins stated she spoke with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and top trade negotiator Jamieson Greer about the toll tariffs have taken on Maine families, businesses, farmers, and growers.
Collins argued that Maine farmers rely on specialist equipment and other products from Canada that are difficult or expensive to replace with American alternatives. This move may help boost her campaign as the Republican Party scrambles to maintain control of the US Congress.