Independent Senator Angus King says President Trump’s trade war with Canada will devastate Maine lobstermen.

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs, including a 25 percent tariff on lobsters beginning in September.

King says almost half of the Maine lobster catch goes to Canada for processing during the fall, but the tariffs could cut off the Canadian market with devastating consequences.

‘If the President’s misguided trade war further escalates, the processed lobsters could be taxed again when they are shipped back from Canada to the United States,” said King in a statement. “If the President doesn’t relent, this hammer blow to hardworking Maine people would devastate the Maine lobster industry and leave many of these hardworking people literally high and dry.

King is calling on Republicans to pressure President Trump to drop the trade war with Canada.

“The majority party must listen to the industry leaders here in Maine, put pressure on the President, and move forward with an economic policy that works for us and not against us,” King said.

He noted the Wall Street Journal has referred to President Trump’s tariffs on Canada as ‘the dumbest trade war.’