By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (Reuters) – With an incumbent U.S. senator from Maine in his own party locked in a tight re-election battle, President Donald Trump on Friday signed an order to eliminate 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products, a move that could benefit businesses in the northern state.
The Republican president’s high tariffs on Canada have caused friction with the United States’ northern neighbor while creating problems for American businesses in Maine and other states that rely on some “Canadian” products.
As the November 3 US midterm elections approach and Republicans fight to maintain control of both houses of Congress, Senator Susan Collins has urged the White House to tackle tariffs on goods that affect businesses and farmers in Maine, a state bordering Canada.
COLLINS, IN TIGHT RACE IN MAINE, PRAISES RATE RELIEF
Trump’s order exempted plywood sheets, certain paper products, some refrigeration machinery and equipment, and packaging crates and boxes, as well as fresh and dried seaweed, the White House said.
The changes will come into effect on October 30, four days before the election.
Trump added a number of Canadian products to the 50% tariff list to offset the tariff relief provided in his order, including carpets, paints, garbage, shampoo, cocoa powder, wooden coffins, ice cream sticks, air conditioners, chest freezers, archery equipment and canoes.
Collins said the aid would help Maine’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed growers.
“These producers are a vital part of our state’s economy and support our rural and coastal communities,” Collins said. “Many of our farmers and producers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other products from Canada that are not available from U.S. suppliers or cannot be replaced without incurring significant expense.”
Democrat Troy Jackson is seeking to oust Collins in a race that polls show is very close. The two men argued over tariffs during a debate on October 6.
“Trump’s trade wars have made life harder and more expensive for Mainers,” Jackson said Friday 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.”
Collins did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Jackson’s remarks.
In August, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian imports, which took effect after negotiations between the two countries broke down. Canada retaliated in September with tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods.
Gn usa
