Toronto businesses may get relief as U.S. reportedly lifts some 50% farm tariffs
A Wall Street Journal report says the change could come as early as Friday, but it has not been confirmed.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
A report says the White House is set to remove 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on some Canadian agricultural and forestry products. The report has not been confirmed. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported it, said the change could come through a White House proclamation as early as Friday.
The Wall Street Journal also reported the reason it attributes to the move: helping Maine Sen. Susan Collins and other Republicans in upcoming midterm elections. Collins said in a post on X on Friday that she had helped secure the exemptions. "I am pleased to have secured additional tariff exemptions products crucial to Maine's agricultural industries, including blueberry, potato, apple, and seaweed producers," Collins wrote.
The 50 per cent tariffs took effect August 24 on nearly US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods. HighOnCity reported on August 26 that Toronto businesses were calling the new levies a "killing blow" to their operations. HighOnCity also reported on August 22 that Ontario businesses were bracing for tariffs as the Canada-U.S. trade deal collapsed.
The material does not say how much trade the reported exemptions would cover, or whether the products named include anything shipped from Ontario. The White House has not confirmed the change in the material available for this story.
Which Canadian products are covered, and how much trade do they represent?
Did the White House confirm the proclamation, and when does it take effect?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
When did the 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods take effect?
The tariffs took effect on August 24 on nearly US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods.
Which Canadian agricultural products did Sen. Susan Collins say she helped exempt from tariffs?
Sen. Susan Collins said she secured exemptions for blueberry, potato, apple, and seaweed products crucial to Maine's agricultural industries.
