In brief
The Trump administration has announced a rollback of 50 % tariffs on a range of Canadian goods effective 30 October, a move Staging a trade‑war lull just weeks before the 2026 U.S. midterm elections. Senator Susan Collins, whose district in Maine depends on Canadian agriculture, said the relief would help local produce sectors. Canada counters with its own tariffs and awaits a broader deal. The decision, framed as protecting American workers, will be closely watched by lawmakers and voters on both sides of the border.
The United States government announced on Friday that it will ease 50 % tariffs on several Canadian products starting 30 October. The change comes after Republican senator Susan Collins, who is in a close race to retain her Maine seat, publicly urged the administration for relief.
Under the new order, plywood sheets, certain paper goods, machinery and refrigeration units will no longer face the extra cost. The White House said the lifting reflects "continued efforts" to defend American workers and ensure fair trade.
The U.S. had imposed a broad 50 % tariff on $20 billion ($15 bn) of Canadian goods in August after bilateral trade talks broke down. Canada countered with its own tariff set, which Prime Minister Mark Carney called "necessary to protect our workers." Carney recently matched U.S. tariffs dollar‑for‑dollar following the September collapse of negotiations.
The White House clarified that while some items will see relief, others—such as carpets and waste products—will remain tariff‑affected. Industry groups and border‑state politicians have expressed mixed reactions, hoping a full trade agreement will come before the elections.
"Trump continues to address Canada’s discriminatory treatment of U.S. commerce," White House spokesman Matthew Middleton said. Canadian internal trade minister Dominic LeBlanc responded that Canada is ready to work constructively towards a mutually beneficial relationship that respects Canadian interests.
Senator Collins notes she has repeatedly asked senior Trump officials for tariff relief and will keep working with the administration to expand the benefit and spur a comprehensive trade deal.
The announcement arrives with less than two weeks to the U.S. midterm elections, which will decide the balance of power in Congress and shape the President’s remaining agenda.
For the media, read more about the trade war’s backdrop in the US‑Canada trade war in five charts.
