Exclusive · Satire
White House tariff desk takes back Canada's plywood, issues store credit in carpets
A senator returned some Canadian goods for a home-state win. Within the hour, the clerk had swapped in valves, carpets and waste products.
By Connor O'Brien ·
Why it matters: Tariff lists that change days before an election, with the WSJ reporting the exemptions were aimed at helping Collins, are hard for businesses to plan around.
For information only, not investment advice.
At the White House tariff returns desk on Friday, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine walked up with nine categories of Canadian products, some of which, she said, matter to the state's blueberry and apple growers, potato farmers and seaweed producers, and asked for them to be exempted. She got her exemption. Then, as CNBC tells it, the White House announced new tariffs less than an hour later.
That's the thing about this returns desk: no refunds, only exchanges. As our report laid out, the fact sheet takes plywood sheets, some paper products, certain machinery and refrigeration equipment, and certain packing crates and boxes off the list, and swaps in "certain valves, carpets, waste products, and others." Out goes the crate. In comes the rug.
The paperwork is vintage. The authority is Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which lets the president amend any such proclamation "whenever the President deems that the public interests require such action." The order underneath, Proclamation 11048, is still titled "With Respect to Motor Vehicles," which is a lot to ask of a carpet.
"Bring a receipt, a home state and a date before November," said the desk's clerk, a fictional laminated sign reading ALL SALES FINAL, who asked not to be named because he is laminated.
The exchange takes effect Oct. 30, which CNBC points out is four days before the Nov. 3 election. The Wall Street Journal reported, per Maine Public, that the exemptions were aimed at helping Collins in her race against Democrat Troy Jackson, and CNBC noted that Collins' announcement didn't mention the new additions.
Jackson said Collins "now wants credit for bringing a cup of water to put out the fire." White House spokesman Matthew Middleton told CNBC the administration "will continue to use every available tool to restore reciprocity," apparently including the rug aisle. And Canada's Dominic LeBlanc told the BBC that Canada "stands ready to work constructively and in good faith," which is diplomat for asking to speak with the manager.
Collins says she'll keep working with officials to "seek additional relief from tariffs." The desk is open. Exchanges only.
Sources
- Further Modifying the Scope of Products of Canada Subject to the Additional Duties Imposed to Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States with Respect to Motor Vehicles, The White House
- Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Further Modifies Canadian Products Subject to Tariffs Under Section 338, The White House
- U.S. dropping some Canada tariffs, replacing with others, CNBC
- Trump administration to exempt Canadian products used by Maine farmers from tariffs, Maine Public
- US lifts tariffs on some Canadian goods before midterm elections, BBC News
Tags: tariffs-trade · white-house · elections