The White House announced on Friday that the US will lift tariffs on certain Canadian goods starting October 30. The exemptions include plywood sheets, paper products, machinery, refrigeration equipment, and packing crates. In their place, the US will impose tariffs on valves, carpets, and waste products, among others.
President Donald Trump stated that Canada is actively working on a trade deal with the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed openness to a mutually beneficial agreement but indicated willingness to wait for the right terms, even if it means delaying the deal until another administration.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the exemptions, primarily targeting Canadian agricultural and forestry products, aim to support Republican lawmakers like Collins ahead of the midterm elections. Collins claimed she secured tariff exemptions for Maine's agricultural industries, including blueberry, potato, apple, and seaweed producers, citing their reliance on Canadian goods.
Maine's economy, along with other border states, has been impacted by the month-long trade war. Michigan lawmaker Mike Rogers, who previously supported the policy, has now urged Trump to end the standoff.