U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed an order removing 50% tariffs imposed on certain Canadian agricultural and forestry products, a move that could support U.S. agricultural businesses that rely on those goods.
اضافة اعلان
The measure came after Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine urged the White House to address tariffs affecting products used by businesses and farmers in her state. Collins is facing a difficult reelection campaign.
Republican candidates in northern U.S. border states most affected by the tariffs, including Maine and Michigan, are seeking to balance efforts to appeal to Trump’s loyal base with winning support from independent voters.
The White House said Trump’s order exempts plywood, certain paper products, some machinery and refrigeration equipment, as well as packaging boxes from the tariffs. Collins said the exemptions would help blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers in Maine.
“These producers are a vital part of our state’s economy and support our rural and coastal communities,” Collins said. “Many of our farmers and producers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other products from Canada that are either unavailable from U.S. suppliers or cannot be replaced without incurring significant costs.”
Collins clashed with her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, over the tariffs during a debate held on October 6.
Trump had imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, with the tariffs taking effect after talks between the two countries collapsed in August. The two sides have remained at odds since then, despite Trump saying Friday that Canada is working toward reaching an agreement.
Source: Reuters
