At a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, engaged with Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick regarding regulations impacting Maine’s lobster industry and tariffs on Canadian products. The discussion took place during the review of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Senator Collins addressed the significance of Maine’s lobster industry to its economy and highlighted past regulatory threats. “In 2022, the Biden Administration proposed regulations that posed a threat to the very existence of the lobster fishery,” she stated. She noted that these were blocked following legal action by the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, which won a court case against the National Marine Fisheries Service in June 2023.
Secretary Lutnick emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting Maine’s lobster industry through evidence-based regulation. “This administration views the Maine lobster industry as an American treasure, and we need to protect it,” he affirmed.
The conversation also covered tariffs affecting trade with Canada. Senator Collins expressed concern about tariffs on Canadian products crucial to Maine’s economy. She pointed out that many goods such as lobsters and blueberries are processed in Canada before returning to Maine.
Secretary Lutnick explained that under USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), products made in Canada or the United States can move freely without tariffs unless companies choose not to follow these rules. He mentioned specific tariffs related to fentanyl concerns but reassured cooperation between countries.
Senator Collins requested more information: “If you would provide us with a list of which products are under USMCA that would be very helpful.”
Previously, Senator Collins supported measures including a resolution with Senator Tim Kaine aimed at ending certain emergency declarations involving tariffs on Canada and cosponsored legislation reinforcing Congress’ role in trade policy.
In March, Senators Collins and Angus King alongside Representative Chellie Pingree urged Secretary Lutnick to collaborate with Canada on shared economic concerns.
