Trump expands tariff exemptions for Canadian goods

The Trump administration is expanding tariff exemptions to more Canadian products, including paper, plastic, machinery and seaweed products. The move may help boost Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ re-election campaign in Maine. Collins announced in a statement Oct. 23 that the exemptions would apply to certain paper, plastic, machinery and seaweed products, saying they would help the state’s rural and coastal economy, including the blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries. “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,” she said. Trump will amend the tariffs to add new ones to replace the exclusions so that the overall tariff impact is unchanged, a U.S. official said. A fact sheet released Oct. 23 said tariffs on certain Canadian imports — including plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and certain packing crates and boxes — would be replaced with duties on “certain valves, carpets, waste products and others.” The changes will take effect Oct. 30, the fact sheet said. Collins, who is in a competitive re-election race, has touted her ability to secure tariff reductions that affect Maine consumers and businesses. Her office said she had pushed for additional exemptions during conversations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson responded Oct. 23 on X that Collins “wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put out the fire,” arguing that she only acted because she is…

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