Tariff Exemption Saves Maine Costs

Maine Senator Lobbies and Saves Canadian Rock Salt and Cement From Import Tariffs

Maine Senator Susan Collins, a five-term incumbent, has defended the decision to exempt Canadian rock salt and cement from U.S. tariffs from the import tariff list, stating that she lobbied for this decision. She highlighted the importance of these products to Maine as two crucial products that would be severely affected by the tariffs. Collins explained that Frenchville, a small Maine town on the Canadian border, would incur U.K.S.$10,000 in extra costs for road salt and one Maine cement company owner would pay $150,000 each month due to the tariff. She also expressed her appreciation for Canada's decision to remove seafood and fish products from its retaliatory tariff list and advocated for improved trade relations with Canada based on historic ties. Collins has been critical of the tariffs on Canada, arguing that they would harm Maine families, small businesses, municipalities, manufacturers, and farmers. This shift on rock salt may bolster Collins' chances at reelection in the U.N. mid-term elections.