Key facts
- Republican candidates in US border states are devising strategies to address the economic impact of US-Canada tariffs.
- US Senator Susan Collins of Maine is criticizing the tariffs and seeking carve-outs for affected industries.
- Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers is criticizing Canada and emphasizing his relationship with President Trump.
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll found Americans are more likely to blame Washington than Ottawa for the trade dispute.
- Canada is Maine's largest trading partner, accounting for 69% of imports and 41% of exports in 2025.
- Michigan exports more to Canada than almost any other US state.
Republican candidates in US border states are grappling with the political fallout from President Donald Trump's escalating trade war with Canada, as midterm elections approach. The tariffs, which have raised the cost of living and impacted key industries, present a challenge for candidates needing to appeal to both Trump's base and independent voters.
The US imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion of Canadian goods last month, citing unfair trade practices. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs of 15% to 50% on $20 billion of US goods, which took effect on September 8. Canadian officials have acknowledged the tariffs are intended to exert political pressure.
In Maine, Republican Senator Susan Collins, a moderate known for challenging party orthodoxy, has openly criticized the tariffs as a "mistake" and is seeking exemptions for affected industries. Her Democratic opponent, Troy Jackson, has questioned her actions, arguing she has not done enough to get Trump to back down. Canada is Maine's largest trading partner, with over 80% of its heating oil and gasoline imported from Canada, and its key products like blueberries, lobsters, and lumber rely heavily on cross-border trade.
In Michigan, a state heavily reliant on trade with Canada, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has taken a different approach. He supports Trump's "America First" policy, stating tariffs are necessary but not a "one-size-fits-all solution." Rogers has also positioned his close relationship with the president as a strength, suggesting he can negotiate trade issues more effectively. His Democratic rival, Abdul El-Sayed, has characterized Rogers as being caught between the economic interests of Michigan and his need to appease Trump.
Political scientist David Hopkins noted that candidates are largely left to devise their own responses due to the recent emergence of the tariffs, and that both Collins and Rogers will need to appeal beyond the Republican coalition to win their races. A Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that Americans are more likely to blame Washington than Ottawa for the trade dispute, with only 20% supporting higher tariffs on Canadian goods.