President Donald Trump has announced that steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada will increase to 50%, in response to Ontario’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on electricity imports to the U.S. The U.S. president stated that this tariff increase will go into effect on March 12th. Trump also threatened to permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing industry in Canada if Ontario does not back down. He has threatened tariffs on Canada’s auto sector on April 2nd and has mentioned declaring a National Emergency on Electricity to alleviate the threat from Canada.
According to the Aluminum Association of Canada, the U.S. relies on Canada for 75% of its imported primary aluminum. Trump reiterated his threat of making Canada the 51st state of the United States, claiming that this would eliminate all tariffs and other issues between the two countries. Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded to Trump’s announcement, stating that Ontario and Canada would not back down. Ford criticized Trump for the unprovoked attack on Canada and called on the American people and CEOs to speak up against the tariffs.
Last month, Trump signed proclamations imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum beginning March 12th, with an additional tariff on Canada on top of these tariffs. These measures were taken in response to Ontario’s decision to impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states. The move is part of Ontario’s retaliatory measures against Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods, which were deemed a disaster for the U.S. economy. Premier Doug Ford stated that Ontario will not back down and will use all available tools to protect the province until the threat of tariffs is gone for good.
The U.S. president has threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50% in response to Ontario’s tariff on electricity imports to the U.S. Trump has warned of permanently shutting down the automobile manufacturing industry in Canada if Ontario does not comply. He also mentioned the possibility of making Canada the 51st state to eliminate tariffs and other issues between the two countries. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has criticized Trump’s actions and vowed that Ontario and Canada will not back down against the tariffs.
Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc., reported on Trump’s decision to increase tariffs on Canada and Ontario’s retaliatory measures. The U.S. relies heavily on Canada for imported primary aluminum, making the tariff increases a significant issue for both countries. Ontario’s decision to apply a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states has escalated tensions, leading to further trade disputes between the two nations. Premier Doug Ford has emphasized the importance of protecting Ontario and standing strong against the tariffs imposed by the U.S. president.
