According to Reuters, Republican Senator Collins from Maine is caught in a fierce re-election race. On October 23, U.S. President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate tariffs of 50% on certain Canadian agricultural products. This move could benefit businesses in Maine.
The White House stated that the administrative order exempted tariffs on products such as plywood, certain paper products, specific machinery and refrigeration equipment, packaging boxes, fresh and dried seaweeds, etc.
This adjustment is scheduled to take effect on October 30th, four days before the U.S. midterm elections.
In order to offset the impact of this tariff exemption, Trump has added several other Canadian products to the 50% tariff list, including carpets, paints, shampoos, cocoa powder, wooden coffins, ice cream sticks, air conditioning equipment, refrigerators, archery equipment, and canoes.
Reports indicate that Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian goods worth $20 billion, which led to tensions between the United States and Canada. In response, Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on US goods worth $20 billion in September.
Simultaneously, this measure has also caused trouble for Min-Yun State and other American businesses dependent on specific Canadian goods.
As the U.S. midterm elections approach, the Republican Party is fighting to retain control of Congress. Collins previously urged the White House to address the commodity tariffs that affect businesses and farmers in Maine.
Collins said on the 23rd that the measures taken by Trump would help blueberries, potatoes, apples, and seaweed producers in Maine. "These producers are an important part of our state's economy, providing support for rural and coastal communities. Many of our farmers and growers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials, and other products imported from Canada; these products have no suppliers in the United States, and even if alternatives were found, the costs would be high."
According to reports, Collins is competing with Democratic opponent Jackson, and polls show that their support rates are very close.
After Trump signed the executive order, Jackson said on the 23rd: "Trump's trade war makes life more difficult and more expensive for people in Maine. Collins allowed this chaos to happen; she voted in favor of those behind the scenes, and now she wants to get praise by extinguishing a fire with a glass of water."
