United States President Donald Trump’s administration has lifted tariffs on selected Canadian imports, just two weeks before the country’s midterm elections.

The White House announced Friday that the changes would remove tariffs on products including plywood sheets, certain paper products, machinery and refrigeration equipment. However, the measures will also introduce new tariffs on other goods, including carpets, certain valves and waste products, starting October 30.

The decision could benefit Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking re-election in Maine, a state that shares a border with Canada. Collins faces a strong challenge from a Democratic candidate as Democrats seek to gain control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.

Collins announced on social media that she had secured exemptions for products important to Maine’s agricultural industries, including blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed producers.

She said many farmers in her state depend on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other Canadian products that are either unavailable from American suppliers or costly to replace.

The tariff changes come amid ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Negotiations broke down in August, prompting Trump to impose additional tariffs on Canadian goods.

The two countries maintain closely connected economies, with approximately 70% of Canadian exports going to the United States. Previous American tariffs on automobiles, steel, aluminum and lumber have placed pressure on Canadian industries, contributing to job losses and slower economic growth.

Canada has also entered a technical recession this year after recording economic contraction for two consecutive quarters.

The earlier tariffs affected approximately US$20 billion worth of goods, representing 5.5% of Canadian exports to the United States. Products affected included items ranging from hockey sticks to cement.

Canada’s minister responsible for US-Canada trade, Dominic LeBlanc, said the government had taken note of the latest American measures. He added that Canada remained willing to work with the United States constructively and in good faith while evaluating the changes.

Trump has introduced broad tariffs on imports from both allies and rivals during his second term, arguing that other countries have taken advantage of the United States. He has also linked some proposed tariffs to political and foreign policy objectives.

The latest changes adjust tariffs on selected Canadian goods while leaving broader trade tensions between the neighboring countries unresolved.