President Trump’s new tariffs are creating a potential political problem for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections, as Democrats link the trade measures to higher household costs. The article says the issue may matter most in competitive states reliant on trade with Canada or agriculture, although some Republican strategists argue that fuel prices and promised job gains will carry greater weight with voters.

The administration imposed double-digit duties on imports from 60 trading partners over forced-labour concerns, while a separate 50 per cent tariff on certain Canadian goods is due next month. A Fox News poll put approval of Trump’s economic handling at 33 per cent, and a YouGov survey found 46 per cent of respondents said his tariffs had increased prices “a lot”. Farmers face higher metal-input costs and retaliatory Chinese tariffs on soybeans, while a small-business group has also sued over the new measures.