The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reports the
Trump administration plans to lift 50% tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural products
and forestry products, with an announcement possible as soon as Friday; scope
and timing remain subject to change. Washington may raise tariffs on other
Canadian goods to offset the reduction. The move is intended to help Maine
Republican Senator Susan Collins and other Republican candidates ahead of the
midterm elections. Trump imposed 50% duties on roughly $20bn of Canadian goods
in late August. Last month the US exempted some items while adding others,
leaving the overall trade value affected broadly unchanged. White House
officials said any formal tariff decision will be announced by the
administration.
