Trump administration exempts some Canadian goods from tariffs, Sen. Susan Collins announces
The Hill reported that Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced Friday that nine categories of Canadian products crucial for Maine's agricultural industries will be exempted from U.S. tariffs, including paperboard cartons, plastic boxes and refrigeration equipment. CNBC reported that the U.S. will issue tariff exemptions on several categories of Canadian imports. NBC News reported that the administration canceled some tariffs on Canada. The New York Times reported that Collins, who faces a tough re-election fight amid rising prices, announced the move. The Guardian reported that the trade war with Canada has stirred outrage in Maine. The White House fact sheet said Trump signed a proclamation under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 to refine the scope of products subject to the additional duties, and the proclamation cites Proclamation 11048 of July 20, 2026.
Section 338 gives the president the authority behind these duties, so changing which products are covered can be done by proclamation without a new law. Because the exemptions focus on goods that Maine farms use, and the announcement came from a senator in a tight race, the decision links trade policy directly to a Senate contest, as the Times and the Guardian both note.
If you buy or import Canadian packaging or agricultural equipment, watch for the official product list and effective date before assuming your item is covered. If you do not trade with Canada, the main effect is on prices for goods that use these inputs, which can lag changes in tariffs.
The view in the Times and the Guardian is that the exemptions respond to political pressure from a state hurt by the tariffs, and that Collins, a Republican facing a close race, can claim a result for Maine. On this view, the carve-outs show how much the tariffs cost voters.
The administration's framing, in the White House fact sheet, is that the proclamation continues to address what it calls Canada's discriminatory treatment of American exports and only refines the scope of the existing duties. On this view, the policy is intact and the changes are targeted adjustments.
Confirmed across outlets: some Canadian goods are being exempted and Collins announced it Friday. Confirmed by the White House: a Section 338 proclamation modifies the scope of the motor-vehicle duties. Not confirmed: the complete product list, effective dates and whether other levies will change. Watch for the Federal Register notice and Canada's response.
DailyDrop U.S. No. 19 · October 23, 2026 · Evening