RismadarVoice Reporters
October 23, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has approved exemptions from additional tariffs on selected Canadian imports, offering relief to American businesses and agricultural producers ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
The White House announced the changes on Friday, confirming that Trump had signed a proclamation modifying tariffs imposed on certain Canadian products under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
The exemptions cover plywood sheets, selected paper products, packaging materials, machinery and refrigeration equipment.
However, the administration will introduce tariffs on other Canadian goods, including certain valves, carpets and waste products.
Both the exemptions and the additional duties are scheduled to take effect on October 30.
The announcement followed lobbying by Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who has repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of tariffs on businesses and farmers in her state.
Collins, who is seeking re-election against Democrat Troy Jackson, said the exemptions would benefit Maine’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries.
According to the senator, many agricultural producers depend on specialised Canadian equipment and packaging materials that are either unavailable from American suppliers or too expensive to replace.
She said she had discussed the issue with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other senior administration officials.
Collins welcomed the decision but maintained that further tariff relief and a broader trade agreement with Canada remained necessary.
The White House defended the changes, saying they were intended to reduce the burden on American commerce while addressing what Washington considers discriminatory Canadian trade practices.
Trade tensions between the neighbouring countries escalated after negotiations broke down earlier this year, resulting in additional tariffs and retaliatory measures.
The United States subsequently imposed duties of 50% on approximately $20 billion worth of selected Canadian products, increasing costs for businesses dependent on cross-border supplies.
Canada responded with retaliatory trade measures targeting American exports.
The latest exemptions come as tariffs and living costs remain prominent economic issues ahead of the midterm elections.
Republican candidates in states with substantial economic links to Canada have faced questions about the effects of the administration’s trade policies on local businesses and consumers.
Although the timing of the announcement has attracted political attention, the White House presented the decision as an adjustment to its trade enforcement measures rather than an electoral initiative.
The revised tariffs do not represent a comprehensive settlement of the trade dispute between Washington and Ottawa, with broader negotiations and existing trade restrictions remaining unresolved.
