Donald Trump dropped tariffs on nine Canadian agricultural products Friday, exempting Maine goods including blueberries, potatoes, apples and seaweed from the duties. The White House cited the move as serving "the public interest."
Senator Susan Collins announced the exemptions. She said Maine farmers depend on specialized equipment and materials from Canada that are "unavailable from American suppliers or cannot be replaced without incurring significant expense."
Collins faces a tight re-election campaign in Maine. The Republican senator has drawn criticism in her state over Trump's trade war with Canada, which has angered voters there. Democrats view her seat as a potential pickup in their effort to control Congress.
The timing of the tariff relief coincides with Collins' campaign vulnerability. Maine's agricultural sector relies heavily on cross-border trade. Blueberries and potatoes are significant crops in the state.