Donald Trump has announced a drastic increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, in retaliation to Ontario’s electricity surcharge. He suggests that Canada should consider becoming the “51st state” to resolve trade disputes. Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has vowed not to yield to Trump’s actions, asserting that they could trigger a recession. Ottawa is prepared to respond firmly to protect its economy, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the tariffs and called for a Canadian countermeasure.
Trump’s Tariff Increase on Canadian Steel and Aluminum
In response to the recent 25% electricity surcharge imposed by Ontario’s Doug Ford, Donald Trump has announced plans to escalate tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, effective tomorrow. The tariffs will rise from 25% to an unprecedented 50%.
• Also read: New tariffs on steel and aluminum: “We can’t compete with the United States”
• Also read: 25% electricity surcharge: Doug Ford’s aggressive stance, while François Legault defends his business connections
• Also read: Quebec’s response to Trump’s tariffs: $50 million aid for American companies employing Quebec workers
“With Ontario applying a 25% tariff on ‘electricity’ entering the U.S., I’ve directed my Secretary of Commerce to implement an additional 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imported from Canada, making the total 50%. Canada has among the highest tariffs globally,” Trump declared via his social media platform, Truth.
He also indicated plans to impose similar tariffs on automobiles starting April 2, warning that this could “permanently disrupt the automotive industry in Canada.”
Trump reiterated that the “most logical step” for Canada would be to become the “51st state of America,” a notion he has frequently echoed, suggesting that this would resolve the ongoing trade disputes.
Doug Ford’s Strong Response
In a recent MSNBC interview, Prime Minister Doug Ford firmly stated that his government “will not back down” in the face of Trump’s actions and called on the president to “stop the chaos.”
“If a recession occurs, it will solely be due to one person: President Trump. This should not be happening,” he emphasized.
On the topic of steel, Ford pointed out that a significant portion originates from Quebec, asserting that “over sixty percent” of the aluminum consumed in the U.S. comes from Canada.
“This will negatively impact your manufacturing sector. You rely on our aluminum and nickel,” he warned during the interview.
Ottawa’s Preparation for Action
The newly appointed leader of the PLC indicated that Ottawa is ready to deliver a “firm response” if Trump’s enhanced tariffs take effect. This announcement is viewed as “an attack on Canadian workers, families, and businesses,” with Ottawa planning to retaliate in a manner that maximizes impact on the U.S. while protecting the Canadian economy, according to Mark Carney on X.
Canada will uphold its current measures until the Trump administration shows “respect” and offers “credible and reliable” commitments concerning bilateral relations.
In a passionate address, he proclaimed that Canada “would win” and “would never become part of the United States.”
“Canadians are always prepared when faced with a challenge. Let the Americans be warned: in trade, as in hockey, Canada will prevail,” he asserted, referencing the sports rivalry that has been recently exploited by Trump.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the “unjustified” tariff increase, accusing Trump of undermining the “long friendship” between the neighboring countries. He urged the Liberals to respond by imposing “50% tariffs” on American steel and aluminum imports to Canada.
“Don’t mistake our kindness for weakness; we are a strong, proud, and sovereign nation, and we will retaliate against these economic attacks,” Poilievre stated.
In his recent Truth Social message, Trump escalated tensions further by claiming that if Canadians were to join the U.S., there would be no more tariffs, leading to lower taxes and enhanced safety. He referred to the border as an “artificial line.”
– With contributions from the QMI Agency