WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Friday removed several Canadian products from a list of goods subject to 50% tariffs, less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm elections.Trump signed a proclamation exempting plywood sheets, certain paper products, machinery, refrigeration equipment, and selected packing crates and boxes from the tariffs, according to a White House fact sheet.The administration will simultaneously add certain valves, carpets, waste products and other goods to the tariff list. The changes will take effect on October 30.The White House said the adjustments were intended “to better serve the public interest” while continuing to counter what it described as Canada’s “discriminatory treatment” of US commerce.Republican Senator Susan Collins, who faces a closely contested reelection race in Maine, announced the exemptions ahead of the White House, highlighting their importance to agricultural producers in her state.Collins said nine categories of products used by Maine’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries would be exempted from the tariffs.She emphasized that farmers and growers in Maine depend on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other Canadian products that are difficult or expensive to replace with American-made alternatives.Collins said she had repeatedly urged administration officials to provide tariff relief and pursue a broader trade agreement with Canada.The announcement comes as Washington and Ottawa continue discussions over trade relations, with Trump recently saying Canada was “working hard” to reach an agreement with the United States.
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