Maine race close as Trump ends some Canadian tariffs

Updated / Saturday, 24 Oct 2026 05:44

Getty

With an incumbent Maine US senator from his own party locked in a tight re-election battle, President Donald Trump signed an order to remove 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products in a move that could benefit companies from the northern state.

The Republican president's hefty tariffs on Canada have caused friction with the US neighbour to the north while creating problems for American businesses in Maine and other states that rely on certain Canadian goods.

With the 3 November US midterm elections looming and Republicans fighting to retain control of both houses of Congress, Senator Susan Collins had urged the White House to address tariffs on products affecting companies and farmers in Maine, a state that borders Canada.

Collins, in tight Maine race, praises tariff relief

Mr Trump's order exempted plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and packing crates and boxes, as well as fresh and dried seaweed, the White House said.

The changes take effect on 30 October, four days before the election.

Mr Trump added a number of Canadian products to the 50% tariff list to offset the tariff relief provided in his order, including carpets, paints, waste, shampoos, cocoa powder, wooden coffins, ice cream sticks, air-conditioning machines, chest freezers, archery equipment and canoes.

Ms Collins said the relief would aid Maine'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.

"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."

Democrat Troy Jackson is seeking to oust Senator Collins in a race that polls indicate is very close.

The two sparred over tariffs at 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."

Mr Trump in August imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports, which took effect after talks between the two countries collapsed.

Canada retaliated in September with tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on $20 billion in US goods.