On Tuesday, March 11th, US President Trump announced that he would increase steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada from the original 25% to 50%, in response to Canada’s retaliatory measures against US tariffs.
The government of Ontario, Canada, announced on Monday, March 10th, that it would impose a 25% additional tax on electricity exports to the United States, in retaliation for US tariffs on Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also threatened to completely halt Ontario’s electricity exports to the United States if the trade war continues.
In response, President Trump stated on his social media platform “Truth Social” on Tuesday, “In view of Ontario’s 25% tax on electricity exports to the United States, I have instructed the Secretary of Commerce to impose an additional 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum entering the US from Canada, bringing the total to 50%.”
“This measure will take effect starting tomorrow, March 12th,” Trump said. “Furthermore, Canada must immediately revoke the anti-American tariffs of 250% to 390% imposed on various US dairy products, which have long been considered outrageous.”
Trump also clarified the measures he would take in regions affected by the US electricity supply. He stated, “I will soon declare a national state of emergency for threatened areas in electricity supply. This will enable the US to take necessary actions promptly to alleviate this abuse threat from Canada. If Canada does not repeal other long-standing shocking tariffs, I will significantly increase automobile tariffs entering the US on April 2nd, which will fundamentally and permanently close Canada’s automotive manufacturing business.”
The President also said, “These cars are easy to manufacture in the United States! Additionally, Canada has little involvement in national security and relies on US military protection. We subsidize Canada with over $200 billion annually. Why? This cannot continue. The only logical course of action is to make Canada our cherished ’51st state’.”
He added, “This would eliminate all tariffs and everything else. Canadians’ taxes will be significantly reduced, and they will be safer in military and other respects than ever before, with no more northern border issues. The world’s greatest and strongest country will be greater, better, and stronger than ever, with Canada being an integral part of it. The artificial borders drawn years ago will ultimately disappear, and we will possess the safest and most beautiful country in the world – while your glorious national anthem, ‘O Canada,’ will continue to play, now representing a great and powerful state in the greatest country ever in the world!”