White House to ease tariffs on select Canadian goods before midterms

The United States government will lift some of its 50 percent tariffs on select Canadian imported goods starting on October 30, BBC News US reported. The administration announced the policy shift two weeks before upcoming midterm elections. Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine first announced the trade exemptions, stating they would support the agricultural industry in her state. [1]

Starting on October 30, tariffs will be reduced on items including plywood sheets, paper products, refrigeration equipment, and certain machinery, according to BBC News US. New tariffs will simultaneously be placed on other imports, including carpets. The United States had previously established a 50 percent levy on 20 billion dollars of goods coming from Canada following trade negotiations. [1]

A trade conflict between the two countries began in February 2025 when President Donald Trump signed orders implementing near-universal tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States. The initial measures introduced 25 percent tariffs on standard imports from Canada, while oil and energy products received a 10 percent rate [12]. The official residence and executive workplace of the United States president is the White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. [11][12]

The policy modification occurs as Senator Collins faces a close electoral contest to retain her Senate seat in Maine, BBC News US noted. Changes to the import policy are scheduled to go into effect on October 30. [1]