U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw 50 percent high-tariff measures on certain Canadian products ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

This is also interpreted as a move to support Republican candidates as tight races unfold in states heavily reliant on trade with Canada, such as Maine.

The White House announced on the 23rd (local time) that President Trump signed a proclamation adjusting the 50 percent tariff imposition on select Canadian goods.

Accordingly, plywood, certain paper products, specific machinery and refrigeration equipment, and packaging boxes will be exempted from tariffs.

Instead, some valves, carpets, and waste-related products will be newly included under the tariff targets.

The modified tariff measures will take effect starting on the 30th.

After trade negotiations with Canada broke down last summer, the Trump administration imposed 50 percent tariffs on 20 billion dollars worth of Canadian products, and Canada also levied retaliatory tariffs, deepening trade tensions between the two countries.

Previously, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, that the Trump administration planned to lift the 50 percent tariffs imposed on some Canadian products to support Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who is running for re-election.

In Maine, which has a high reliance on trade with Canada, Senator Collins has requested relief from the burdens placed on local industries and consumers by the tariffs.

Collins' Democratic challenger, Troy Jackson, has made President Trump's trade war with Canada a core election issue.

The two candidates are running neck-and-neck in polls ahead of the election.

In a statement released that day, Senator Collins said, "Many farms in Maine rely on specialized Canadian equipment and packaging materials that are not available in the U.S. or cannot be replaced without significant cost."

She added that she has been asking the Trump administration to ease tariffs on these products, and stated that she will push for further tariff relief in the future and urge the conclusion of a comprehensive trade agreement with Canada.

The WSJ reported that this measure could also help Republican candidates in states with high trade volumes with Canada, such as Michigan and New Hampshire.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)