The United States announced this Friday, the 23rd, changes to the list of Canadian products subject to 50% tariffs, removing items such as plywood panels, paper products, machinery, and refrigeration equipment.
In their place, items such as valves, carpets, and waste were added to the list and will begin to be taxed. The change takes effect on October 30. The tariffs were imposed based on Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, initially in August this year, amid a trade dispute with Canada after negotiations between the two countries failed. In September, the U.S. government also modified the products affected by the tariffs.
The action is seen as an attempt to help Republicans in the midterm elections in November, particularly Maine Senator Susan Collins, who is essentially tied with Democratic challenger Troy Jackson.
Collins commented on the decision on her X account, stating that she requested tariff relief and that she will continue working to obtain new exemptions and “to encourage a broader trade agreement with Canada, our neighbor, ally and largest trading partner”.
*With information from Dow Jones Newswires
