On Friday, President Donald Trump eased 50% tariffs on select Canadian imports days before the midterm elections, potentially offering relief to Maine businesses as Republican Sen. Susan Collins faces a closely contested reelection battle.

Trump Exempts Select Canadian Imports From 50% Tariffs

The White House said that Trump's order exempts certain plywood sheets, paper products, machinery, refrigeration equipment, packing materials and fresh and dried seaweed from the tariffs.

The changes take effect Oct. 30, four days before the Nov. 3 elections.

However, Trump also added other Canadian products to the 50% tariff list, including carpets, paints, shampoos, cocoa powder, wooden coffins, air conditioners, chest freezers, archery equipment and canoes.

Collins welcomed the relief, saying it would benefit Maine's blueberry, potato, apple and seaweed industries, Reuters reported.

"Many of our farmers and growers rely on specialized equipment, packaging materials and other products from Canada," said Collins, adding that alternatives could be unavailable or significantly more expensive.

Democrats Accuse Trump of Trying to Rescue Susan Collins

Democrat Troy Jackson, who is challenging Collins, criticized the administration's trade policies and her support for Trump's agenda.

"Trump's trade wars have made life harder and more expensive for Mainers," Jackson said Friday. He accused Collins of trying to take credit for addressing problems her party helped create.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, called the move a "desperate, 11th-hour attempt" to protect Collins' political future, the report said.

US-Canada Trade War Creates Political Risks for Republicans

Trump imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion in Canadian imports in August after trade negotiations collapsed. Canada retaliated in September with tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on $20 billion in U.S. goods.

White House spokesperson Matthew Middleton said the latest changes further refine the existing tariffs while addressing Canada's treatment of U.S. commerce.

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Ottawa was assessing the changes and remained open to constructive negotiations.

The White House did not immediately respond to MarketDash's request for comment.

The dispute also poses challenges for Republicans in Michigan and other states dependent on Canadian trade.

Trump dropped a threatened ban on Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier Inc. (OTC: BDRBF) this week after pressure from Kansas lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Roger Marshall, who faces a tough reelection race.