Senator Collins’ Statement on the Breakdown of U.S.-Canada Trade Negotiations

BANGOR, ME – U.S. Senator Susan Collins released the following statement regarding the breakdown of trade negotiations between the United States and Canada: “The on-again/off-again trade talks between the U.S. and Canada lead to higher costs, risk, and uncertainty for Maine businesses. If the Administration proceeds with these tariffs, they will increase costs for Maine families, as most businesses will have no choice but to pass on the tariffs to their customers through higher prices. “Maine imports approximately $2 billion in non-petroleum products from Canada each year. Ever since the tariffs were first announced, I have heard from many businesses, farmers, and lobstermen concerned about the cost of navigating the tariffs, the lack of domestic supply chains, and the likely imposition of retaliatory tariffs by Canada. “I urge both sides to return to the negotiating table. The Administration must consider the negative impact tariffs would have on Maine businesses, communities, and families and work to reach a fair agreement with our Canadian neighbors.” +++ Senator Collins has repeatedly opposed broad tariffs on Canadian goods and worked to protect Maine businesses and communities from their negative effects. Earlier this month, following the proposed 50 percent tariffs on more than 500 categories of Canadian imports, she wrote to the Commerce Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative urging the Administration to provide Maine businesses with greater clarity and notice regarding the tariffs and to consider their expected negative impact on Maine’s economy before any potential implementation. She also met with Canadian Ambassador Mark Wiseman to discuss the tariffs and the broader economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada. In April 2025, she delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of a resolution to end the emergency declaration being used to impose tariffs on Canadian goods; joined a bipartisan group in introducing the Trade Review Act of 2025 , which would reassert Congress’ constitutional authority over tariffs; and urged the Administration to exempt previously contracted fire truck orders from tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum that were expected to increase the cost of each truck by $80,000 to $90,000. In July 2025, she joined a bipartisan group in introducing the Creating Access to Necessary American-Canadian Duty Adjustments (CANADA) Act , which would exempt U.S.-owned small businesses from tariffs on Canadian imports. In December 2025, she requested targeted tariff relief for Maine’s wild blueberry producers , including an exemption for specialized Canadian equipment used to harvest, process, and mow the crop. ###