Toronto 
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum will be increased to 50 percent, citing Ontario’s decision to impose a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the United States.
The tariffs will come into effect on March 12.
Ontario’s tariff, which took effect Monday, is expected to generate between $300,000 and $400,000 daily for the province. The measure impacts electricity supplied to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, affecting approximately 1.5 million homes and businesses.
Ontario’s tariff is in response to the original 25% tariff by the United States.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump linked the decision to broader trade disputes, demanding Canada reduce tariffs on U.S. dairy imports, which he described as excessive. He also stated that he would declare a national emergency regarding electricity supply in affected U.S. states.
Trump further threatened to impose higher tariffs on Canadian automobiles starting April 2 if Canada does not adjust other trade policies. He warned that such measures could severely impact the Canadian auto sector.
Additionally, Trump reiterated criticisms of Canada’s defense spending and financial relationship with the U.S., claiming the U.S. subsidizes its northern neighbor by over $200 billion annually. His post also included comments suggesting Canada should become the “Fifty-First State,” arguing that annexation would eliminate tariffs and benefit Canadians economically.
Ful Text of Truth Social Post:
“Based on Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on “Electricity” coming into the United States, I have instructed my Secretary of Commerce to add an ADDITIONAL 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM COMING INTO THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TARIFFING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.”
“This will go into effect TOMORROW MORNING, March 12th. Also, Canada must immediately drop their Anti-American Farmer Tariff of 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products, which has long been considered outrageous. I will shortly be declaring a National Emergency on Electricity within the threatened area. This will allow the U.S to quickly do what has to be done to alleviate this abusive threat from Canada.”
“If other egregious, long time Tariffs are not likewise dropped by Canada, I will substantially increase, on April 2nd, the Tariffs on Cars coming into the U.S. which will, essentially, permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing business in Canada. Those cars can easily be made in the USA!”
“Also, Canada pays very little for National Security, relying on the United States for military protection. We are subsidizing Canada to the tune of more than 200 Billion Dollars a year. WHY??? This cannot continue.”
“The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our cherished Fifty First State. This would make all Tariffs, and everything else, totally disappear. Canadians’ taxes will be very substantially reduced, they will be more secure, militarily and otherwise, than ever before, there would no longer be a Northern Border problem, and the greatest and most powerful nation in the World will be bigger, better and stronger than ever — And Canada will be a big part of that.”
“The artificial line of separation drawn many years ago will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful Nation anywhere in the World — And your brilliant anthem, “O Canada,” will continue to play, but now representing a GREAT and POWERFUL STATE within the greatest Nation that the World has ever seen!”
