U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs against Canada on Tuesday, March 11, in response to an increase in electricity prices from the Canadian province of Ontario for the U.S.
In a post on the social media platform TruthSocial, Trump stated that he instructed the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to impose an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada after Ontario raised electricity prices for American consumers by 25%. These tariffs will take effect on March 12.
Moreover, Trump mentioned that if other disputed tariffs between the two countries are not lifted by Canada, he will raise tariffs on cars imported to the U.S. starting on April 2. According to him, this will “virtually halt the automobile industry in Canada.”
Trump also expressed the view that Canada contributes too little to national security, relying on U.S. military protection, and that America subsidizes Canada to the tune of more than $200 billion annually. He added that this would lead to the elimination of all tariffs and significant tax reductions for Canadians. They would also be better protected in both military and other matters.
Since March 4, Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican imports. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the introduction of similar tariffs on American goods worth $155 billion, and the province of Ontario declared an electricity price increase for the U.S.
On March 7, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced an electricity price hike for three U.S. states in retaliation for the economic pressure from the Trump administration.
