The Trump administration is easing some of its 50% tariffs on Canadian goods two weeks before the US midterm elections. The move follows lobbying by a Republican candidate in a closely contested Senate race.
From 30 October, tariffs will be reduced on some Canadian products, including plywood sheets, paper products, machinery and refrigeration equipment, the White House announced on Friday, the BBC reported.
Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking re-election in Maine, first announced the exemptions. She said they would support the state's agricultural sector.
The US imposed a 50% tariff on $20bn (£15bn) worth of Canadian goods after trade talks collapsed in August. Canada responded with countermeasures against US tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney said the measures were "necessary to protect our workers".
Last month, Carney matched the US tariffs "dollar for dollar" after negotiations broke down. President Donald Trump had imposed the duties over what he called "unequal treatment" of US cars, dairy products and alcohol.
The White House said tariffs would be removed from some products, including packing crates and boxes. However, new tariffs would apply to other goods, such as carpets and waste products.
The administration said the changes reflected Trump's continued efforts to protect American workers and ensure fair trade.
"President Trump continues to address Canada's discriminatory treatment of US commerce," White House spokesman Matthew Middleton said.
Canada's internal trade minister, Dominic LeBlanc, told the BBC that Ottawa was reviewing the latest measures but remained open to negotiations.
"While we assess these latest steps, Canada stands ready to work constructively and in good faith towards a more mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canada's interests," he said.
The announcement comes less than two weeks before the US midterm elections. The elections will determine whether Republicans or Democrats control Congress for the final two years of Trump's term.
Collins said she had repeatedly urged senior administration officials to reduce the tariffs. She pledged to seek further relief and push for a broader trade agreement with Canada, which she described as a neighbour, ally and the US's largest trading partner.
In a post on X, Collins said the exemptions covered products vital to Maine's agricultural industries, including blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers.
Her Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, criticised Collins over her role in the administration's trade policy.
"Trump's trade wars have made life harder and more expensive for Mainers. Susan Collins enabled this chaos, voted to confirm the people behind it, and now wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put out the fire," Jackson said.
Maine borders the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. Its economy, like those of other US border states, depends heavily on trade with Canada. The prolonged trade dispute has affected these economies.
Republican Michigan lawmaker Mike Rogers has also urged Trump to end the trade standoff. He spent months supporting the tariff policy in advertisements aired in the trade-dependent state.
On Friday, Trump said Canada was "working very hard" to reach a trade deal with the US.
Carney said Canada remained open to a mutually beneficial agreement but was prepared to wait for one.
"We could sign it this afternoon if the US were there. If it has to be months from now or longer than that, or another administration, before a proper deal comes into place, we will do that," he said on Friday, according to Canadian broadcaster CBC.
LeBlanc said on Thursday that a Canadian delegation had met members of the Canada-United States Economic Relations Advisory Committee. The meeting was the committee's ninth since April 2026. Members discussed the ongoing impact of US tariffs on Canada.