Trump lifts some Canada tariffs ahead of midterms

The Trump administration lifted some tariffs on Canadian imports Friday, including plywood, certain paper products, machinery and refrigeration equipment. Republican Senator Susan Collins said she secured exemptions for goods important to Maine’s blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers as she faces a strong Democratic challenge ahead of the November 3 midterms. At the same time, the White House announced new tariffs on carpets, certain valves and waste products, effective October 30. Canada, which sends roughly 70 percent of its exports to the United States, entered a technical recession this year after two consecutive quarters of economic contraction.