The Trump administration is exempting a variety of Canadian agricultural and forestry imports from its 50% tariffs starting Oct 30, including specialized machinery, plywood, and paper packaging. The move comes 11 days before the Nov 3 midterm elections, as Maine Senator Susan Collins faces a tight reelection race against Democrat Troy Jackson. Collins said she secured the relief for the state’s blueberry, potato, apple, and seaweed producers who rely on Canadian equipment and materials that are unavailable from U.S. suppliers.
To maintain the overall value of the Section 338 tariffs, the White House is adding new 50% duties on other Canadian goods, including carpets, rugs, and some chemicals. While National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said the U.S. is “very close” to a broader trade deal with Canada, a U.S. official noted that Canadian concessions remain insufficient. Trump stated at a Michigan rally that a final settlement could arrive before the election, though he later suggested it might take a couple of months.