The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to lift 50% tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products to ease pressure on Republican candidates, including Maine Sen. Susan Collins. According to Sina Finance, a presidential proclamation could be issued as early as October 23, though its timing and the products covered may change. The administration may also raise tariffs on other Canadian goods to offset the reductions, rather than broadly lowering trade barriers.

A White House official said any changes would be formally announced by the administration and that reports of potential changes were speculative. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative declined to comment.

The proposal comes as Collins faces a close reelection contest ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Maine's economy relies heavily on cross-border trade with Canada, and Collins has criticized some of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies and sought exemptions for state industries. Her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, said during a debate this month that residents “can't live on road salt,” criticizing the impact of previous exemptions. Republican Senate candidates Mike Rogers in Michigan and John Sununu in New Hampshire have also called for an end to the trade conflict or criticized the tariffs.

The administration imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods in late August this year, representing roughly 5% of Canada's exports to the United States, after trade talks broke down. In September, it removed tariffs on products including road salt and cement while adding other goods to the 50% tariff list, leaving the value of affected imports at about $20 billion. Canada retaliated with tariffs, and Trump later barred imports of some Canadian goods and threatened to double tariffs on Canadian cars next January if no agreement was reached.

The tariffs face a legal challenge: a New Jersey food importer filed suit this week, arguing that the administration exceeded its authority by using Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, a provision not previously used for such tariffs. No new tariff plan has been officially announced.