Mark Carney says "necessary to protect our workers" as U.S. trims Canada tariffs

The administration announced that, beginning Oct. 30, it will reduce the 50 percent tariff on a range of Canadian imports—including certain wood panels, paper items, machinery and refrigeration gear—while adding duties on products such as carpets and waste material; the change follows a Senate candidate’s push to aid Maine’s farm sector and comes just weeks before the November midterm vote that will decide congressional control. The original tariffs, imposed after trade talks collapsed in August, covered roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods, prompting Canada to retaliate with measures that the Canadian finance chief said were intended to safeguard domestic workers. Both governments said the adjustments aim to address trade imbalances and protect employment, and Canada’s trade minister said it remains ready to pursue a mutually beneficial relationship.