Trump drops tariffs on some Canadian goods and adds others
The White House takes plywood and packaging out of the 50% tariff and extends it to valves and carpets starting Oct. 30.
President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Friday that takes several Canadian goods out of the 50% tariff and, in exchange, taxes others. The White House fact sheet removes plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and certain boxes and packaging.
Valves, carpets, scrap products and other items the document does not detail come under the tariff.
The changes take effect Oct. 30.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, who is running for reelection against Democrat Troy Jackson, announced on X that she secured exemptions for producers of blueberries, potatoes, apples and seaweed. Many farmers depend on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other products, she wrote.
The key detail is the legal basis. The tariffs rest on Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and, the White House specifies, apply even if the good originates in the USMCA and stack on top of the Section 232 tariffs. The treaty's preference does not shield goods from this tariff.
It is not a blanket rollback. The rest of Canada's goods still pay 50%, and Trump said Friday that Canada is working on a deal, though negotiations are stalled.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country remains in talks with Washington and would sign a deal immediately if the United States were willing. The midterm elections are Nov. 3.
