United States eases some tariffs on Canadian imports starting late October

The United States government will ease some of its 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports beginning on 30 October 2026, two weeks before the midterm elections. The BBC and NewsCord both reported that the White House announced the changes on Friday, while Yahoo also confirmed the lifting of select tariffs on goods from Canada. [1][6][7][8]

According to the BBC, the adjusted policy will ease tariffs on plywood sheets, certain paper products, specific machinery, and refrigeration equipment. The changes will also place new tariffs on other products, such as carpets. The BBC noted that the original 50 percent levy applied to 20 billion dollars, or 15 billion pounds, of Canadian goods following trade negotiations. [1]

Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine first announced the exemptions, stating that the tariff relief would support the agriculture industry in her state. The BBC reported that Collins is currently in a tight race to retain her seat in the Senate. [1]

The tariff changes modify trade barriers established during the ongoing commercial disputes between the two nations. United States President Donald Trump initiated near-universal tariffs against Canadian products on 1 February 2025, which initially placed a 25 percent tax on all imports excluding oil and energy. [1][10]