US Exempts Some Canadian Goods From 50% Tariffs

Sen. Susan Collins said Friday the United States is exempting nine categories of Canadian imports from 50% tariffs, covering paperboard carton, plastic crates, plastic bags, refrigeration equipment, agricultural sorting machinery and non-adhesive foil used by Maine blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries. In a statement she said many farmers and growers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other Canadian products that are either unavailable from American suppliers or cannot be replaced without significant expense. A Wall Street Journal report published Oct. 23, 2026, citing people familiar with the matter, said tariff changes could be announced as early as Friday. Collins had earlier won drops of tariffs on Canadian road salt and cement that were offset by tariffs on other goods; she did not say whether other products would be added this time. Democratic challenger Troy Jackson has made Trump trade policy toward Canada a campaign theme, with midterms less than two weeks away. A White House official responding to the Journal said any tariff announcements would come directly from the administration and any preliminary reporting is speculation. Official scope, timing and any offsetting duties remain unsettled pending an administration announcement.