Susan Collins announced Friday that nine categories of Canadian products used by Maine agricultural producers will be exempted from U.S. tariffs, giving targeted relief to blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed businesses.
The Republican senator said the exemptions followed repeated discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other administration officials about the effect of tariffs on Maine families, farms and businesses.
The announcement comes 11 days before Maine voters choose between Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson in the November 3, 2026, U.S. Senate election.
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Susan Collins: What the new tariff exemptions cover
The relief applies to products that Maine growers and processors say are difficult or expensive to replace with domestic alternatives.
- Corrugated paper cartons and boxes
- Plastic boxes, cases, crates and similar containers
- Plastic packing bags and sacks
- Refrigeration and freezing equipment
- Agricultural cleaning, sorting and grading machinery
- Filling, sealing, closing and labelling machinery
- Packing and wrapping machinery
- Non-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil and strip
- Seaweed and algae products intended for human consumption
Collins said Maine’s wild blueberry growers rely on specialized harvesting boxes from Canada that are designed for existing processing systems.
Her office also said an American supplier recently stopped producing some cardboard totes used by agricultural producers, leaving businesses dependent on Canadian supply.
The products are used during harvesting, storage, packaging and transportation by Maine’s potato and apple industries.
The seaweed exemption is intended to reduce pressure on an emerging sector that supports jobs along the state’s coast.
Relief follows earlier exemptions
The new measures expand exemptions previously announced for Canadian pulp, road salt and cement.
Those earlier exclusions were aimed at reducing costs for Maine municipalities, construction companies and other businesses that depend on Canadian materials.
The White House has previously authorized additional duties of up to 50 per cent on specified Canadian products, while allowing some categories to be removed from the tariff list through later proclamations.
Collins has argued that broad tariffs raise costs for Maine families and create uncertainty for businesses operating across the Canada-U.S. border.
In an August statement, she said Maine imports roughly $2 billion in non-petroleum products from Canada each year and urged Washington and Ottawa to return to negotiations, according to her statement on the breakdown of trade negotiations.
Why the announcement matters in Maine
Canada is Maine’s largest trading partner, and many businesses in the state rely on cross-border supply chains for materials, equipment and food products.
For farmers, the effect of a tariff can extend beyond the imported item itself because packaging, refrigeration and processing equipment are built into the cost of getting crops to market.
The exemptions therefore provide more than a direct reduction in customs charges.
They may also help growers avoid equipment changes, supplier searches and production delays at a time when seasonal businesses have limited flexibility.
However, the announcement does not remove all tariffs affecting Maine or resolve the broader trade dispute between Canada and the United States.
Collins said she would continue seeking additional exemptions while pressing for a wider trade agreement with Canada.
Tariffs become a campaign issue
The timing places the announcement inside one of Collins’s most closely watched re-election campaigns since she first entered the Senate.
She is seeking a sixth term against Jackson, a former president of the Maine Senate and Democratic nominee for the seat.
Collins has made her independence and ability to deliver federal results for Maine central themes of her campaign.
Her tariff work allows her to point to specific exemptions for industries in rural and coastal communities while maintaining that broader duties remain harmful.
Jackson’s campaign has challenged Collins over her relationship with President Donald Trump and the extent to which she has opposed the administration’s policies.
The tariff announcement is likely to keep that tension at the centre of the race because it combines a local economic benefit with a national dispute over trade policy.
What happens next
The administration must implement the new exclusions through the U.S. tariff and customs system before importers can claim the benefit.
Businesses will also need to confirm whether their products fit the precise tariff classifications covered by the exemptions.
Collins said she would continue discussions with administration officials and seek further relief for Maine industries affected by Canadian tariffs.
The broader question of whether Washington and Ottawa can reach a lasting trade agreement remains unresolved as the November 3 election approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Susan Collins announce on October 23, 2026?
She announced that nine categories of Canadian products used by Maine agricultural producers will be exempted from U.S. tariffs.
Which Maine industries benefit from the exemptions?
The relief is intended to help blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers, along with related agricultural processors.
What products are included in the tariff exemptions?
The list includes packaging, refrigeration equipment, agricultural machinery, packing equipment, certain plastic and paper products, and seaweed and algae products for human consumption.
Does the announcement end all U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods?
No. It provides targeted relief for specific categories while other tariffs and the wider Canada-U.S. trade dispute remain in place.
When is the Maine Senate election?
The general election between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against Senator Susan Collins’s October 23, 2026 announcement and White House tariff proclamations. ([collins.senate.gov](https://www.collins.senate.gov/newsroom/after-discussions-with-cabinet-officials-senator-collins-announces-certain-tariff-exemptions-for-agricultural-producers-in-maine))
Disclaimer: Tariff eligibility depends on the final customs classifications and implementation instructions issued by U.S. authorities.