Trump Eases 50% Tariffs on Some Canadian Goods, Collins Says

WHO:

Alternet - Troy Jackson, Collins’s Democratic opponent, said Maine residents “can’t eat road salt” during a debate with Collins.

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal reported that the tariff change could also benefit other Republicans facing midterm races.

NBC News - The White House, Commerce Department and U.S. Trade Representative’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Alternet - Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers released a campaign ad saying, “We need to end this tariff war now,” while sitting at a bar with a Canadian beer; he argued Michigan and Canada are not enemies.

Alternet - Rogers is running against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in a high-profile Michigan Senate race.

NBC News - Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced that the Trump administration had granted exemptions on some Canadian products.

NBC News - Collins named U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick among the administration officials involved; her announcement did not mention Trump.

NBC News - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described U.S. demands as “unfair” and “uneconomic.”

Alternet - Collins’s Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, made Trump’s trade war with Canada a campaign issue; the article said Jackson and Collins were dead even in the polls.

NBC News - Mike Rogers, a Republican running for a Senate seat in Michigan, said he wanted the trade war with Canada “wrapped up.”

Alternet - Former Sen. John Sununu of New Hampshire had also criticized the tariffs.

WHAT:

ABC News - The tariff exemptions also cover plywood sheets, packing crates and some machinery.

ABC News - Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden called the move “Trump’s desperate, 11th hour attempt to save Susan Collins’ political career” and said it was “an admission that American voters are rejecting his toxic tariff policies.”

ABC News - The White House said the tariff changes were intended to offset “the burden to U.S. commerce while better serving the public interest.”

ABC News - Trump’s ban on Canadian imports covered $1 billion worth of goods, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motorcycles.

ABC News - Canada retaliated with tariffs of 15% to 50% on U.S. products.

ABC News - U.S. importers pay the tariffs and may pass the added costs to customers or absorb them.

ABC News - An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted Sept. 24–28 found 65% of 2,140 U.S. adults blamed Trump’s policies more than factors outside his control for persistently high prices.

ABC News - Maine wild blueberry growers use specialized Canadian harvesting boxes compatible with their processing equipment.

ABC News - The tariff exemptions include plywood sheets.

ABC News - The White House said the changes were intended to offset “the burden to U.S. commerce while better serving the public interest.”

BBC News - From 30 October, tariffs will also be placed on some other products, including carpets.

ABC News - Collins said she had spoken with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about tariffs’ effects on Maine families, businesses, farmers and growers.

ABC News - Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden called the exemption a “desperate, 11th hour attempt to save Susan Collins’ political career” and “an admission that American voters are rejecting his toxic tariff policies.”

ABC News - Trump’s ban on Canadian imports covered $1 billion worth of goods.

ABC News - An Associated Press-NORC poll conducted Sept. 24–28 found that 65% of 2,140 U.S. adults blamed Trump’s policies more than factors outside his control for persistently high prices.

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s tariff reductions could be balanced by raising levies on other Canadian goods.

ABC News - The tariff exemptions include plywood sheets, packing crates and some machinery.

ABC News - The White House said the exemptions were intended to offset “the burden to U.S. commerce while better serving the public interest.”

ABC News - Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on U.S. products.

ABC News - Trump imposed a ban on $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motorcycles.

ABC News - U.S. importers pay the tariffs and may pass the added costs to customers or absorb them.

ABC News - An Associated Press-NORC poll of 2,140 U.S. adults found that 65% blamed Trump’s policies more than outside factors for persistently high prices.

ABC News - Maine wild blueberry growers use specialized Canadian harvesting boxes compatible with their processing equipment.

Alternet - Trump once called “tariff” the “most beautiful word” in the dictionary.

Alternet - A Wall Street Journal analysis said tariffs had shifted from a potentially popular way to protect U.S. industry into an issue Democrats were using against Republicans over living costs and business costs.

Alternet - A 2024 survey found tariffs had more support than opposition before Trump returned to office and imposed sweeping import duties he called “Liberation Day tariffs.”

BBC - Carney said, “We could sign it this afternoon if the US were there. If it has to be months from now or longer than that, or another administration, before a proper deal comes into place, we will do that.”

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal reported the tariff changes might be formalized through a proclamation; the scope and timing could change.

CBS News Politics - Trump cut tariffs on a handful of Canadian products used widely by Maine’s agricultural industry.

Alternet - The tariffs were imposed after last-minute negotiations between the United States and Canada broke down.

NBC News - Collins said, “I will continue working directly with Administration officials to seek additional relief and encourage a broader trade agreement with Canada.”

NBC News - After Trump predicted Canada would remove its tariffs, Carney laughed when asked about the prediction at a press conference and said he had no additional comment.

NBC News - Trump’s tariff policy became an issue in the midterm campaigns; polls cited by NBC News showed Democrats had a solid chance to win majorities in both the House and Senate.

NBC News - Trump said of Canada, “there’s nothing they have that we need” and “We have everything”; he made the latter remark in September.

NBC News - Trump predicted on Sept. 28 that Canada would remove its tariffs within “the next three or four weeks,” and said, “We’re going to win everything.”

Alternet - The 50% tariffs applied to about $20 billion of Canadian goods, approximately 5% of Canada’s exports to the United States.

Alternet - Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian vehicles in January if the two countries did not reach an agreement.

Alternet - An Economic Innovation Group survey found that 58% of blue-collar workers opposed Trump’s tariffs and 36% supported them.

Alternet - A Pew Research Center survey released October 8 found that 56% of Americans expected the tariffs to have a mostly negative effect, while 20% expected a mostly positive effect. Among Republicans, 40% expected mostly positive results, down from 52% in August 2025.

NBC News - The administration granted exemptions from 50% duties on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products. Collins said the exemptions covered products important to Maine blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, as well as plastic boxes, crates, packing materials, refrigeration equipment, sealing and labeling machinery, packing equipment, film and foil.

IJR - The exemptions covered nine categories of Canadian agricultural and forestry products.

NBC News - Collins said farmers and growers relied on Canadian specialized equipment and packaging that was unavailable from U.S. suppliers or could not be replaced without significant expense.

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal reported the tariff reductions could be offset by higher levies on other Canadian goods; their scope and timing could change.

Alternet - The administration had previously removed tariffs on products including road salt and cement. Jackson said Maine residents “can’t eat road salt.”

WHERE:

NBC News - Canada was opening its economy to China, India and the United Kingdom.

NBC News - The European Union’s 27 member states form the world’s largest trading bloc; the EU ranks third in size behind the United States and China.

NBC News - The tariffs affected U.S.-Canada trade; Collins represents Maine, whose industries rely on trade with Canada.

NBC News - Carney was scheduled to attend an EU-Canada summit in Montreal.

WHEN:

ABC News - The tariff changes take effect Oct. 30.

BBC News - From 30 October, tariffs will also be placed on some other products, including carpets.

BBC News - The changes also place tariffs on some other products, including carpets, from 30 October.

ABC News - The tariff changes will take effect Oct. 30.

NBC News - Carney was set to reach an agreement with the European Union at an EU-Canada summit in Montreal next week.

WHY:

ABC News - Trump said Canada discriminated against U.S. dairy, auto and alcoholic beverage producers.

ABC News - Trump said Canada discriminated against U.S. dairy, auto and alcoholic beverage producers as a reason for imposing tariffs.

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal analysis attributed voter concern partly to tariffs being imposed while Americans were already worried about grocery and household costs, and to frequent policy changes increasing uncertainty.

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal reported the changes could be an effort to help Collins and other Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.

NBC News - The administration’s tariff exemptions were described as an implicit acknowledgment that Trump’s trade policy could be hurting Republican candidates in the midterm election.

NBC News - The 50% duties were applied after Canada withdrew from trade negotiations in late August.

Alternet - Michigan automakers and other manufacturers rely on trade with Canada.

NBC News - Collins said she sought relief for Maine agricultural industries dependent on Canadian products.

Alternet - The Wall Street Journal reported the exemptions could benefit Collins and other Republicans facing difficult midterm races.

HOW:

ABC News - U.S. importers pay the tariffs and must choose whether to pass higher costs to customers or absorb them.

Alternet - The 50% tariffs were imposed under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, also known as Smoot-Hawley.

Alternet - A New Jersey food importer filed a legal challenge arguing the administration exceeded its authority.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 17:58 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian products from tariffs, including plywood, packing crates, machinery and goods used by Maine’s agricultural industry. Senator Susan Collins said she raised the tariffs’ effects on Maine families, businesses and growers with senior administration officials. The White House said the changes aim to ease burdens on U.S. commerce and serve the public interest. The measures follow a ban on about $1 billion in Canadian imports and retaliatory Canadian tariffs of 15% to 50% on U.S. products. U.S. importers pay tariffs, which can raise customer prices or cut into business costs. The dispute is becoming a campaign issue: Collins’s Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, criticized the trade war, while Michigan Republican Mike Rogers called for it to end. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden accused the administration of trying to protect Collins politically. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 13:03 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% tariffs, including goods important to Maine growers and businesses. Senator Susan Collins said the relief followed her discussions with administration officials and covers items such as plywood, crates and machinery. The White House said the changes aim to ease the burden on U.S. commerce while serving the public interest. The tariffs had covered about $1 billion in Canadian imports, while Canada responded with duties of 15% to 50% on U.S. goods. U.S. importers pay those charges and may pass costs to customers or absorb them. The dispute is now a campaign issue: Collins’s Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, has criticized the trade war, and Michigan Republican candidate Mike Rogers has called for it to end. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 09:58 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% tariffs, easing costs for Maine producers and businesses. The exemptions cover items including plywood, packing crates, machinery, and specialized packaging used by blueberry, potato, apple, and seaweed growers. Senator Susan Collins said she pressed administration officials over the impact on Maine, and she plans to seek further relief and a broader trade agreement. The White House said the changes are intended to reduce burdens on U.S. commerce and serve the public interest. The tariff dispute has become a campaign issue: Collins’s Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, has criticized the trade war, while Michigan Republican candidate Mike Rogers has called for it to end. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic. Meanwhile, tariffs on some other products, including carpets, are set to begin on 30 October.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 07:59 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% tariffs, including materials and machinery used by Maine farmers and growers. Senator Susan Collins said the exemptions followed discussions with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and she will keep seeking broader relief. The White House said the changes are meant to ease burdens on U.S. commerce and serve the public interest. Maine blueberry growers, for example, rely on specialized Canadian harvesting boxes that fit their equipment. The tariff fight is also shaping Senate campaigns: Collins’s Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, has criticized the trade war, while Michigan Republican Mike Rogers has called for it to end. Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden called the exemptions a political move. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described U.S. demands as unfair and uneconomic, as tariffs continue to raise costs and strain trade between the countries.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 05:59 UTC)

The Trump administration is easing 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products, including materials and machinery used by Maine growers. The exemptions cover items such as packing crates, plywood and refrigeration equipment, and take effect Oct. 30. Senator Susan Collins said the relief would help Maine’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries, which rely on Canadian supplies that can be difficult or costly to replace. The White House said the change aims to reduce the burden on U.S. commerce and serve the public interest. The move comes as tariffs become a campaign issue: Collins’s Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, criticized the trade war, while Michigan Republican Mike Rogers called for it to end. Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic. Importers pay U.S. tariffs and may pass costs to customers or absorb them.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 01:26 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% tariffs, easing costs for Maine industries that rely on Canadian supplies and equipment. Republican Sen. Susan Collins said the relief covers products important to blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, along with packaging and refrigeration machinery. She credited administration officials and said she would keep seeking broader relief and a trade agreement. The move comes as tariffs become a campaign issue, with Collins facing Democrat Troy Jackson, who has criticized the trade war and said Mainers can’t eat road salt. In Michigan, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has also called for the dispute to end, citing the importance of trade with Canada to manufacturers. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic. He is set to attend an EU-Canada summit in Montreal next week, as tariff uncertainty and household costs weigh on voters.

(UPDATED October 24, 2026 00:07 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% tariffs, offering relief to Maine industries that rely on Canadian supplies. Republican Senator Susan Collins said the exemptions cover products important to blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, along with specialized packaging and equipment unavailable from U.S. suppliers or costly to replace. Collins said she would keep seeking further relief and a broader trade agreement. The tariff dispute is also becoming a campaign issue: her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, said Mainers “can’t eat road salt,” while Michigan Republican candidate Mike Rogers called for the trade war to end. The Wall Street Journal reported the changes could help Republicans facing midterm races, though their scope and timing remain uncertain. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic, as Canada pursues closer trade ties with other partners.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 23:13 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted some Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% tariffs, offering relief to Maine industries that rely on Canadian supplies and specialized packaging. Republican Senator Susan Collins said she secured the exemptions and would keep pressing for broader trade relief. The move comes as Trump’s tariffs become a campaign issue in competitive Senate races, including Collins’s contest in Maine and Michigan’s race, where Republican Mike Rogers has called for the trade dispute to end. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has described U.S. demands as unfair and uneconomic; when asked about Trump’s prediction that Canada would remove its tariffs, Carney laughed and declined further comment. The duties affect about $20 billion in Canadian goods, and manufacturers on both sides of the border depend on trade.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 21:14 UTC)

The Trump administration has granted exemptions from 50% tariffs on nine categories of Canadian agricultural and forestry products, including goods important to Maine farmers and growers. Republican Senator Susan Collins said the relief covers products and specialized equipment that U.S. suppliers cannot readily provide, or that would be costly to replace. The tariffs followed Canada’s withdrawal from trade talks in August and affect a portion of Canadian exports to the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands unfair and uneconomic. The trade dispute is also becoming a campaign issue: Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers released an ad urging an end to the tariff war, while running against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Collins’s Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, has also criticized the trade war. The exemptions may not settle the dispute, as other Canadian goods could face higher tariffs.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 20:08 UTC)

The Trump administration has exempted nine categories of Canadian agricultural and forestry products from 50% duties, a move announced by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine. She said the relief covers goods important to blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, along with packaging and specialized equipment. Collins said Maine growers depend on Canadian supplies that U.S. businesses cannot provide, or that would be costly to replace. The exemptions address tariffs imposed under Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, but their scope and timing could change, and higher duties on other Canadian goods could offset the reductions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called U.S. demands “unfair” and “uneconomic.” Collins’s Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, has made the trade war a campaign issue, while Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers says he wants it “wrapped up.” A New Jersey importer is challenging the administration’s authority to impose the tariffs.