US Exempts Some Canadian Goods From 50% Tariffs

The Trump administration is exempting nine categories of Canadian imports from 50% tariffs, including products used by Maine’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries, according to Sen. Susan Collins. The relief also covers some agricultural and forestry supplies, packaging and refrigeration equipment that growers say are difficult or costly to source elsewhere. The move comes as Collins and other Republicans in northern border states face competitive midterm races, with tariff-related economic pressures a concern in states whose economies are closely tied to Canada. Reports said tariff reductions could be offset by higher duties on other Canadian goods, though the administration cautioned that preliminary accounts of broader tariff changes were speculative.