US President Donald Trump’s administration has lifted some tariffs on Canadian imports. The easing applies to plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, as well as certain packing crates and boxes. The changes take effect on 30 October.
At the same time, the White House is imposing new levies on other goods, including carpets, certain valves and waste products. The White House said the adjustment is meant to better serve the public interest while offsetting the burden on US commerce. A US official said the overall tariff impact stays unchanged.
The move comes less than two weeks before the US midterm elections on 3 November. It could help Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who faces a strong challenge from Democrat Troy Jackson in the US-Canada border state. Collins said she had “secured” the exemptions for products crucial to Maine’s agricultural industries, including blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers.
Collins said many farmers in her state rely on specialised equipment, packaging materials and other products from Canada that are either unavailable from American suppliers or cannot be replaced without significant expense. She said she raised the issue with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Tensions between the two neighbours have been high since trade talks broke down in August, with Trump imposing a slew of new tariffs in response. Around 70 per cent of all Canadian exports go to the United States. Previous Trump levies on autos, steel, aluminium and lumber have hit Canada hard, forcing job losses and slowing growth. Canada has entered a technical recession this year after two consecutive quarters of economic contraction.
Canada’s Minister for US-Canada Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, said Ottawa noted Washington’s recent adjustments and would evaluate the new measures. He said Canada remains ready to work with the US in a constructive and good-faith manner.
Trade disputes have also hit other routes this month, as covered in Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade Halt Costs Businesses $2.5 Billion as Medicine Exports Fall 30%.
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Be respectful — comments are moderated.[…] In other Trump administration news this week, Trump Eases Some Canada Tariffs From October 30 Ahead of US Midterms. […]
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