After pleas from Maine, NH and Vermont, Trump lifts Canadian aluminum tariff

A week after the governors of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont — and four of their U.S. representatives — petitioned President Donald Trump to end a tariff on Canadian aluminum, the levy has been lifted.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills, New Hampshire Gov. Christopher Sununu and Gov. Philip Scott, of Vermont, wrote Trump to oppose his Aug. 16 reimposition of a 10% tariff on imports of the metal from the United States’ largest trading partner. U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine 1st District, and three representatives from New Hampshire and Vermont followed with a joint letter of their own.

“These tariffs are unnecessary and inappropriate to which there will be negative consequences, one of which is the artificial inflation of costs to aluminum goods to consumers and suppliers,” the governors wrote in their Sept. 8 letter. “New England depends on bi-lateral trade with Canada.”

The representatives said in a letter last Friday, “This tariff is extremely detrimental to the economies of our states and the close and mutually beneficial relationship our states have enjoyed with Canada, our major trading partner. It is imperative that our states continue to expand and strengthen our economic and social ties with Canada. The tariff weakens that bond.”

Maine manufacturers such as Hussey Seating Co., of North Berwick, rely on imports of Canadian steel and aluminum. The Trump administration initially imposed tariffs in 2018.

On Wednesday, the congressional delegation praised the decision to eliminate the tax. In a joint statement, the lawmakers said, "This is an important victory for our regional economy and for the continued close cooperation with Canada."