Democrats move to repeal some Trump tariffs on Canada, but political and legal hurdles remain

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Democratic Party is preparing legislative steps to repeal some of the tariffs President Donald Trump imposed on Canadian products, after winning control of both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.

While these developments give Ottawa hope of easing economic pressure, experts warn that repealing some of the tariffs will not be enough to end the trade war between Canada and the United States.

Democrats face political and legal challenges, chief among them Trump's power to veto new legislation, as well as other tariffs that target key Canadian industrial sectors.

Democrats make tariffs on Canada a priority

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, the party's senior member on the Senate Finance Committee, said repealing the tariffs imposed on Canada will be among the Democrats' priorities when they take control of Congress in January 2027.

The party believes the tariffs have contributed to higher living costs in the United States and have hurt consumers, farmers and businesses.

The issue figured prominently in election campaigns in border states such as Michigan and Maine, which have close economic and trade ties with Canada.

Democrats hope to deliver concrete measures for voters who cast ballots against the economic policies of the Trump administration.

50% tariffs on Canadian products

The expected move focuses on the tariffs Trump imposed using Section 338 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930.

The U.S. administration used this authority to impose tariffs of up to 50% on a range of Canadian goods after trade negotiations between Ottawa and Washington collapsed last August.

Weeks later, the restrictions expanded to include bans on imports of additional Canadian products, including motorcycles, some dairy products and alcoholic beverages.

The use of this old law drew objections from U.S. companies and became the subject of a lawsuit challenging the limits of the powers the president exercised.

Democrats believe that repealing these tariffs could win support from some Republicans who have been economically harmed by the trade war.

A major obstacle to reversing Trump's decisions

Despite the Democrats' expected control of both the House and the Senate, repealing the tariffs will not be easy.

The U.S. president can use his veto against laws passed by Congress.

To override a veto, lawmakers need a two-thirds majority in both chambers, which would require support from a large number of Republicans.

Some initiatives may also face procedural obstacles in the Senate before they even reach the president's desk.

Analysts say Democrats may succeed in forcing a broad political debate over the tariffs, but turning that into actual changes requires consensus that cuts across party lines.

Auto and steel tariffs may remain

Even if Democrats succeed in repealing the tariffs tied to Section 338, that will not automatically lift all restrictions imposed on Canada.

The other tariffs cover the automotive, steel, aluminum and cabinet sectors, as well as a 10% tariff linked to allegations of forced labour in supply chains.

Some of these tariffs enjoy political support from lawmakers in both parties, particularly those who consider trade protection necessary to support U.S. industries.

The administration of former president Joe Biden had previously kept some of the tariffs Trump imposed during his first term and expanded other trade measures.

As a result, a Democratic victory does not necessarily mean the United States will move toward fully free trade with Canada.

Election results reveal voter anger

The midterm elections showed a decline in Republican support in a number of states, as voters focused on rising prices and the cost of living.

Democrat Scott Colom won a historic victory in the Senate election in Mississippi, becoming the first Black person elected to statewide office since the Reconstruction era.

Colom had criticized the tariffs in his campaign, pointing to their negative effect on American farmers.

According to Mark Trussler, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, voter surveys showed that affordability was among the most prominent factors shaping voters' choices.

In Maine, fewer than 10% of exit poll respondents believed the tariffs had helped the local economy, according to data cited by the researcher.

Signs of easing tension between Ottawa and Washington

Alongside the political developments, there were signs that trade relations between the two countries could improve.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are in regular contact.

He said Washington wants an agreement that serves the interests of both sides, with priority given to protecting supply chains and strengthening manufacturing inside the United States.

However, these statements do not mean a final settlement has been reached on the tariffs or on outstanding industrial issues.

Ottawa continues to call for an agreement that protects Canadian workers and factories, particularly in the auto sector, which is under significant pressure.

Will the trade war end in 2027?

The Democrats' assumption of leadership in Congress next January could mark a turning point in the trade confrontation with the Trump administration.

But ending the trade war requires more than repealing a single set of tariffs.

Canada and the United States may need a broader agreement that addresses sector-specific restrictions and ensures the stability of supply chains and industrial investment.

While Democrats are betting that economic and political pressure will force the U.S. administration to back down, Trump's ability to block legislation remains a main obstacle.

As a result, Canada may see some restrictions eased in 2027, without that meaning an end to trade disputes with its largest economic partner.