In the closing days before Americans vote, President Donald Trump moved to ease trade pressure on key Canadian imports — a decision that could ripple through Maine just as one of the state’s most closely watched Senate races tightens.
Trump signed an order lifting 50% tariffs on a slate of Canadian agricultural and forestry products, a shift that stands to help Maine companies that depend on cross-border supply chains. His aggressive tariff policy toward Canada, a major US trading partner, has strained relations with the northern neighbour and created headaches for businesses in Maine and other states that rely on specific Canadian goods.
With the 3 November US midterm elections nearing and Republicans fighting to hold onto majorities in both chambers of Congress, Senator Susan Collins had pressed the White House to address tariffs hitting Maine farmers and manufacturers. Maine shares a border with Canada, and many industries there are closely tied to Canadian materials and equipment.
Collins, in tight Maine race, praises tariff relief
Under Trump’s order, the White House said the administration will exempt plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and packing crates and boxes, along with fresh and dried seaweed.
The tariff changes are scheduled to take effect on 30 October — just four days before Election Day.
At the same time, Trump broadened the 50% tariff list by adding other Canadian products to offset the relief granted in the order. The added items include carpets, paints, waste, shampoos, cocoa powder, wooden coffins, ice cream sticks, air-conditioning machines, chest freezers, archery equipment and canoes.
Collins argued the move would provide help to several of Maine’s signature industries, saying it would benefit the state’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers.
“These producers are a vital part of our state’s economy and support our rural and coastal communities,” Ms Collins said.
She said many Maine growers have few alternatives when it comes to sourcing necessary supplies.
“Many of our farmers and growers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other products from Canada that are either unavailable from American suppliers or cannot be replaced without incurring significant expense.”
Collins is facing a strong challenge from Democrat Troy Jackson, who is trying to unseat her in a contest that polls show is extremely close.
Trade policy has become a flashpoint in the campaign, with the candidates clashing over tariffs during an 6 October debate.
“Trump’s trade wars have made life harder and more expensive for Mainers,” Mr Jackson said after Trump’s action.
“Susan Collins enabled this chaos, voted to confirm the people behind it and now wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put out the fire.”
Trump first imposed 50% tariffs in August on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, a move that took effect after talks between Washington and Ottawa broke down.
Canada responded in September with retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on $20 billion in US goods.
