Trump angrily: Impose double tariffs on steel and aluminum in Ontario, up to 50%!
US President Trump announced on Tuesday (March 11) that he will double the import tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada to 50% in response to Ontario imposing a surcharge on its electricity exports to the United States. He also called on Canada to immediately lift dairy tariffs and other 'long-standing tariffs', and threatened to implement tariffs in April,' essentially permanently shutting down Canada's automotive manufacturing industry '. He also mentioned in his speech that he hoped Canada would join the United States and become the 51st state.
According to local English media CP24, US President Trump has stated that he plans to double all steel and aluminum tariffs from Canada starting tomorrow, Wednesday morning, in response to retaliatory measures announced by Ontario earlier this week.
It is reported that Trump had previously announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, but he confirmed in a Truth Social post on Tuesday that he plans to raise the tariff to 50%. He stated that this move is a direct response to Ontario Governor Doug Ford's decision on Monday to impose a 25% surcharge on all electricity exports to the United States.
Given that Ontario and Canada impose a 25% tariff on 'electricity' entering the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to increase the tariff by another 25%, totaling 50%, and impose additional tariffs on all steel and aluminum entering the United States from Canada, "Trump wrote on Truth Social.
This measure will take effect on March 12th (tomorrow morning)
Image source: Globe News
Trump will declare a 'power national emergency'
Trump said he will declare a "power national emergency" in the affected areas, which will enable the United States to "quickly take necessary measures to mitigate this malicious threat from Canada
Trump further warned that if Canada does not lift other long-standing 'bad' tariffs, he will significantly increase tariffs on Canadian cars on April 2, which will 'essentially permanently shut down Canada's automotive manufacturing industry.'
He also reiterated his desire for Canada to become the 51st state we cherish.
Ford: Ontario will not back down
Trump's threat occurred one day after Ontario Governor Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota in the United States.
Ford also warned that if the trade war continues, he will not hesitate to increase surcharges or even completely cut off energy exports to the United States.
On Tuesday morning, when Ford arrived at the Queen's Park building in Ontario, he was asked about Trump's remarks and stated that the province would not back down.
"I can tell you that the stock market is plummeting, which will not only affect the United States, but also Canada. The Americans will lose their jobs, and he (Trump) must stop tariffs, otherwise we will not relax in Ontario, and we will not stop until he cancels tariffs."
In a press release released on Monday morning, the Ontario government stated that this surcharge is expected to bring in $300000 to $400000 in daily revenue for the province and may result in an increase of approximately $100 in monthly electricity bills for American users who rely on Ontario's electricity.
It is reported that Ontario currently supplies electricity to approximately 1.5 million households and businesses in these three states.
New York State Government: Trump's Tariff Policy 'Reckless and Short sighted'
On Monday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Chuck Schumer posted an open letter on social media, emphasizing the damage that Ontario's retaliatory measures would cause.
The reckless tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian energy imports will directly impact the people of New York State, drive up electricity bills, disrupt energy markets, and exacerbate uncertainty for businesses and households, "the letter reads.
In response, Ontario announced retaliatory tariffs on electricity exports, exacerbating the crisis and threatening the reliability of our energy supply
Two Democrats are calling on both the federal and provincial governments in the United States to repeal these "harmful policies," and have stated that the New York state government will conduct an emergency review to ensure that consumers have a clear understanding of the true costs of tariffs.
Unfortunately, we now have to consider emergency energy plans in case the century long energy partnership between New York and Canada breaks down due to President Trump's harmful and short-sighted measures
They also suggested that the New York State Department of Public Service and the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) should require all New York State power companies to clearly inform consumers of the electricity bill increases caused by Trump tariffs and Canadian countermeasures.
Hochu urged Trump to immediately lift tariffs in the letter and called on congressional Republicans to take action.
If he refuses, congressional Republicans must take action to overturn the tariff policy to prevent it from further harming American working families and businesses
Source link:
https://www.cp24.com/politics/queens-park/2025/03/11/trump-says-he-will-double-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminum-in-retaliation-for-ontario-energy-surcharge/