Politics · United States · 45 mins ago
U.S. to drop 50% tariffs on nine categories of Canadian goods
The U.S. plans to remove 50% tariffs on nine categories of Canadian goods, Maine Senator Susan Collins said.
The categories include Canadian seaweed and supplies used by Maine farmers, such as packaging and agricultural equipment.
Collins said Maine blueberry, apple and potato growers rely on these Canadian products because they are not available from U.S. suppliers or would be expensive to replace.
The announcement comes less than two weeks before midterm elections, as Collins faces a tough fight to keep her Senate seat.
The administration previously removed tariffs on Canadian road salt and other goods, then added tariffs on different products to keep the overall total unchanged.
Collins did not say whether other goods would be added to the tariff list or when the changes would take effect.
The United States will exempt nine categories of Canadian products from tariffs, Senator Susan Collins of Maine said.
The tariffs on certain Canadian goods were set at 50%.
The exemptions include seaweed and products used by Maine fruit farmers to harvest or package their goods.
Collins said farmers rely on Canadian equipment and materials that are unavailable from US suppliers or costly to replace.
The announcement comes shortly before midterm elections, as Collins faces a tight re-election race.
- Who
- The Trump administration is lifting tariffs on some Canadian products, according to Senator Susan Collins.
- What
- Nine categories of Canadian products will be exempt from US tariffs.
- When
- Collins announced the exemptions on Friday, 23 October 2026.
- Where
- The tariffs are between the United States and Canada; the changes affect products used by industries in Maine.
- Why
- Collins said the exemptions would help Maine’s farmers and growers, who rely on Canadian products that are unavailable or costly to replace.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The US 50% tariff on certain Canadian goods began, according to the Guardian.
Canada announced retaliatory tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on $20bn worth of US goods, the Guardian reported.
Canada withdrew its tariffs on American seafood, which helped Maine’s fisheries, the Guardian reported.
Collins announced exemptions from US tariffs for nine categories of Canadian products.
- Tariff rate
- 50% on certain Canadian goods
- Exemptions
- Nine categories of Canadian products
- Announced by
- Susan Collins, US senator for Maine
- Products named
- Seaweed, paperboard cartons, plastic crates, plastic bags, refrigeration equipment, agricultural sorting machinery and non-adhesive foil
- Trade retaliation
- Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on $20bn worth of US goods
- Collins’s election
- She faces a tight re-election race in Maine during the midterm elections
7 sources
Politics Insider: Trump to drop some tariffs
Trump to cut Canadian tariffs after pressure from Republicans
White House says the US is lifting tariffs on some Canadian goods
Embattled Susan Collins announces exemptions for Maine from Trump Canada tariffs
Trump to lowers some Canada tariffs to help Maine lawmaker’s re-election bid
Ahead of Tight Race, Trump Exempts Some Canadian Goods From Tariffs
What people are saying
In my repeated conversations with Ambassador Greer, Secretary Lutnick, and other senior administration officials, I have asked for tariff relief for these important products, and I will continue working directly with administration officials to seek additional relief and encourage a broader trade agreement with Canada, our neighbor, ally, and largest trading partner
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