White House lifts tariffs on some Canadian goods as midterm elections loom

The White House, in a statement, said that starting 30 October the US would remove certain products from the list of Canadian goods it taxes, such as plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and certain packing crates and boxes.

It added those items would be replaced with certain valves, carpets, waste products, among others.

The BBC has contacted the White House, US commerce department and trade representative for further comment.

Also on Friday, President Donald Trump said that Canada is "working very hard" on a ⁠trade ​deal with the US.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Friday that Canada is open to a mutually beneficial deal, but is willing to wait it out.

"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, according to CBC.

The Wall Street Journal had reported that the exemptions, largely focused on Canadian agricultural and forestry, were made in a bid to help Collins and other Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.

The reductions could be offset by raising levies on ​other Canadian goods, the Journal reported.

In a statement Collins put out before the White House announcement, the incumbent lawmaker, who is trying to clinch her sixth term, said she had "secured additional tariff exemptions products crucial to Maine's agricultural industries, including blueberry, potato, apple, and seaweed producers".

"Many of our farmers and growers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials, and other products from Canada that are either unavailable from American suppliers or cannot be replaced without incurring significant expense," she posted on X.

Collins said she has asked US officials and senior administration officials to seek additional relief and encourage a broader trade agreement with Canada.

​Maine's economy, as well as that of other border states, is deeply linked to Canada and they have felt the effects of the month-long trade war.

Michigan lawmaker Mike Rogers, also a Republican, has called on Trump to end the standoff after spending months supporting the policy in recent advertisements airing in his trade-reliant state.