U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) has expressed concerns over the tariffs imposed on Canada, stating they will negatively impact "families, manufacturers, the forest products industry, small businesses, lobstermen, and agricultural producers" in Maine. She made this statement in a January 31 post on X.
"The Maine economy is integrated with Canada, our most important trading partner," said Collins, U.S. Senator from Maine. "Certain tariffs will impose a significant burden on many families, manufacturers, the forest products industry, small businesses, lobstermen, and agricultural producers."
In February 2025, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports and a 10% tariff specifically on Canadian energy products. According to the White House, these measures were enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and justified as necessary to combat the influx of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States. The administration cited concerns over Canada's alleged insufficient efforts to curb drug trafficking and the presence of fentanyl synthesis labs in the country.
Senator Collins' post on X
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According to AP News, after an initial month delay, on April 2, the White House announced that the tariffs would begin with Trump calling it "Liberation Day." The move aims to boost U.S. manufacturing and penalize countries accused of unfair trade practices. The tariffs are expected to include levies on auto imports, steel, aluminum, and pharmaceuticals. While Trump can impose these tariffs without congressional approval, lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns about their economic impact and lack of legislative oversight.
When the Trump administration initially paused the tariffs, Collins said on X: "In my many conversations with Administration officials over the weekend, I sought to make them aware of the potential costs of these tariffs. From home heating oil, gasoline, and petroleum products to Maine’s paper mills, forest products businesses, and agricultural producers; the proposed tariffs on Canada would be detrimental to Maine families and our local economies."
According to The Hill, four Republican senators—Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Mitch McConnell—are expected to join Democrats in supporting a measure against Trump's tariffs. Sen. Paul said that tariffs "are bad for the country, bad for prosperity, bad for the economy." However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is urging colleagues to vote against the resolution while Republican Whip John Barrasso accuses Democrats of trying to undermine Trump and pushing an "open borders" agenda.
Collins is a Republican from Maine who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.
