#BREAKING: Trump Escalates Trade War with Canada; Doubles Tariffs
Trump Doubles Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum, Escalating Trade Rift
President Donald Trump sharply intensified a brewing trade dispute with Canada on Tuesday, announcing that he would double planned tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports from the country to 50 percent.
The decision, detailed in a fiery post on Truth Social, is a direct response to a new 25 percent tariff imposed by the province of Ontario on electricity exports to the United States. The additional 25 percent tariff, which Trump said he had instructed his commerce secretary to enact, will take effect Wednesday morning.
The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Canada, two nations whose economies have long been deeply intertwined. In his post, Trump also demanded that Canada immediately dismantle what he described as “outrageous” tariffs—ranging from 250 percent to 390 percent—on various American dairy products, a perennial sore spot in bilateral trade relations.
He warned that he would soon declare a “National Emergency on Electricity” in regions affected by Ontario’s tariff, signaling potential further action.
Not stopping there, the president threatened to “substantially increase” tariffs on Canadian cars entering the United States starting April 2, unless Canada eliminates other “egregious, long-time tariffs” on U.S. goods. The ultimatum underscores Trump’s combative approach to trade policy as he seeks to pressure Ottawa into concessions.
Economists warn that the tariff hike could raise costs for American manufacturers and consumers, while Canadian officials have yet to respond formally.
With the Wednesday deadline approaching, the risk of a broader trade war looms over North America. The coming weeks may determine whether this standoff deepens or if cooler heads prevail in negotiations.
