US Eases Some 50% Tariffs on Canadian Goods Ahead of Midterms
White House lifts tariffs on some Canadian goods from 30 October, including plywood and machinery, while adding levies on carpets and waste products.
What you need to know
The White House is easing some 50% tariffs on Canadian goods from 30 October, covering items like plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, while introducing new tariffs on carpets and waste products.
- Tariff relief starts 30 October for plywood, paper products, machinery and refrigeration equipment.
- New tariffs will apply to carpets and waste products.
- Republican Senator Susan Collins lobbied for the change, citing Maine's agricultural industries.
- Canada's Dominic LeBlanc said Ottawa is assessing the steps and remains ready to work toward a mutually beneficial relationship.
What is changing
The White House announced on Friday that it will lift some of its 50% tariffs on Canadian goods starting 30 October. The exemptions cover products including plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, according to BBC News.
At the same time, new tariffs will be introduced on other goods such as carpets and waste products. The administration said the action reflects President Trump's efforts to defend American workers and ensure fair trade.
Political context
The move comes two weeks before US midterm elections. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who is in a tight race to keep her seat, first announced the exemptions, saying they would help her state's agriculture industry and that she had repeatedly asked senior Trump officials for tariff relief.
Collins' Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, criticized the timing. The US imposed the 50% levy on $20bn of Canadian goods after trade talks collapsed in August.
Canada's response
Canada's internal trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, told the BBC that Ottawa is assessing the latest steps while remaining ready to work constructively toward a more mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canada's interests.
Canada has imposed countermeasures against US tariffs, which Prime Minister Mark Carney said were necessary to protect workers. Carney also said Canada is open to a deal but willing to wait.
When do the eased tariffs take effect and which goods are covered?
The eased tariffs take effect on 30 October and cover items including plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, according to BBC News.
Sources & context
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