// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
White House says the US is lifting tariffs on some Canadian goods
The US is lifting some of its 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, with the White House saying on Friday it was working to "protect the economic prosperity and national security of the American people".
The exemptions could also boost Republican candidates in the midterms elections on 3 November, as many US voters list affordability and economic pressures as top issues.
Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is in a tight race in Maine to keep her seat in the election, first announced the exemptions, saying they would help her state's agriculture industry.
After trade talks collapsed this summer, the US and Canada started an escalating tariff war that has affected both sides of the border.
Senator Susan Collins said she had worked with the administration to secure "tariff relief"
The White House, in a statement, said that starting 30 October the US would remove certain products from the list of Canadian goods it taxes, such as plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and certain packing crates and boxes.
It added those items would be replaced with certain valves, carpets, waste products, among others.
The White House said the action reflects President Trump's "continued efforts to defend American workers and ensure fair trade", as well as "offsetting the burden and disadvantage on U.S. commerce from Canada's discriminatory treatment".
The BBC has contacted the White House, US commerce department and trade representative for further comment.
Also on Friday, President Donald Trump said that Canada is "working very hard" on a trade deal with the US.