With new tariffs going into effect on Tuesday, members of Maine’s Congressional delegation are urging the Trump administration to avoid what they see as a trade war with Canada.
Republican Sen. Susan Collins, Independent Sen. Angus King and Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree sent a letter to the White House urging the administration to avoid engaging with our neighbors to the north in a trade war:
“Small businesses and families in Maine and across the country will be caught in the middle during a time when so many are struggling to put food on the table and keep the lights on. Ultimately, it is our hope that the Trump administration is able to work collaboratively with Canada to address issues of shared concern and foster economic cooperation, rather than engage in a tit-for-tat trade war.”
The three warned about the potential impact on small businesses and families in Maine.
Canada supplies about 80 percent of Maine’s heating oil and gasoline, while many in northern Maine rely on our neighbors to the north for electricity.
The president’s executive order calls for tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican imports worth more than $800.
President Trump says the tariffs are aimed at putting pressure on Mexico and Canada to stop the flow of fentanyl across the border.
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 2024 show that 0.2 percent of all fentanyl seized at U.S. borders was recovered at the northern border.
