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Sensible trade policy just got a reminder from an unlikely source. Senator Susan Collins, speaking at the Madison‑Anson Days parade and on C‑SPAN’s Campaign 2026 coverage, called President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Canada “a mistake.” That line matters because these aren’t small penalties — the administration invoked Section 338 and slapped steep duties, reportedly up to 50 percent, on a range of Canadian goods. For Maine, which lives and breathes cross‑border commerce, this is not abstract politics. It is a real hit to families and small businesses.
Tariffs on Canada: A costly gamble
The Trump administration and USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer defend the move as a response to perceived Canadian barriers in autos, alcohol and dairy. Fine — but using a heavy hammer like Section 338 and setting duties that can reach 50 percent is a blunt instrument. Tariffs like these raise prices for consumers and disrupt supply chains overnight. Trade wars are easy to start; the hard part is cleaning up after them when lumber, lobster and food costs jump for working Americans.
Why Maine should be nervous
Senator Collins put it plainly: Maine sends blueberries, potatoes, lobster and lumber across the border for processing and sale. If those products come back hit with huge tariffs or prompt Canadian retaliation, Mainers will pay the price at the grocery store, at the lumber yard, and on the dock. This is not Washington theater — these are trucks crossing a short border that fuels livelihoods. Collins is right to worry that a national policy centered on punishing another country can end up punishing your neighbor and your voter.
Politics, principle, and practicality
There’s politics here, too. Collins is running for reelection in a tight race, and breaking with the White House on a trade decision that bites her state is politically smart and, in this case, correct. She even met with Canada’s Ambassador Mark Wiseman and urged Ottawa to address dairy barriers that have long irked U.S. producers. Whether you cheer or boo President Trump, it’s worth noting that a senator willing to put her constituents first — and say so bluntly — is acting like an elected official, not a messaging robot.
What should happen next
We need negotiations, not cliffhangers. If talks are truly “up and down,” both sides should commit to clear, enforceable fixes that protect workers and farmers without slamming consumers. Congress should insist on transparency about the legal basis for Section 338 moves and consider targeted measures that avoid collateral damage. And the administration would do well to remember that grandstanding with tariffs can look tough on TV while quietly gutting real Main Street businesses. Call it politics, call it policy — either way, Senator Collins is right to call this a mistake. Now let’s fix it before Mainers pay the bill.
