Trump eases some Canadian tariffs ahead of midterm elections

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 22:08 · Archive

President Trump has lifted some tariffs on Canadian products including plywood, paper and machinery.

US President Donald Trump has eased some tariffs on Canada, with the White House announcing that relief will apply to plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment. The changes take effect on 30 October. The move comes less than two weeks before the November midterm elections, where Republican candidates face tight races.

Republican Senate candidate Susan Collins in Maine said she had lobbied Trump's trade officials to lift the tariffs. She told Trump's top trade negotiator Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about 'the toll tariffs are taking on Maine families, businesses, farmers, and growers'. Collins said many Maine farmers and growers rely on specialised equipment and packaging materials from Canada that are either unavailable from American suppliers or would incur significant expense to replace.

The White House said the president was seeking to offset 'the burden to US commerce while better serving the public interest'. However, the tariff easing is accompanied by new levies on other goods including carpets, certain valves and waste products. The latest move follows an economic row with Canada that peaked during the summer.

How it is being reported

• Trump eases Canada tariffs ahead of US midtermsThe move comes as Trump's Republican Party scrambles to maintain control of the US Congress, with a Republican candidate in a key Senate race saying she had lobbied to lift the tariffs on Canadian products.DW News · 23 Oct, 21:49
• Trump to cut Canadian tariffs after pressure from RepublicansPresident to ease some levies to help candidates facing tough US Senate election battlesFinancial Times · 23 Oct, 21:03

In this story: Donald Trump · Susan Collins · Canada · Maine · Republican Party

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem