In a bold move showcasing the power of American resolve, Ontario Premier Doug Ford swiftly backtracked on his decision to impose a surcharge on electricity exports to U.S. states mere hours after President Trump announced potential retaliatory measures.
This dramatic encounter began when Doug Ford, responding to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, threatened to sever electricity supplies to American states. His message was clear during a CNBC interview: “If we go into a recession, it will be called the Trump recession.” Ford emphasized the strategic leverage this decision represented, though noted it was a measure of last resort.
Emphasizing his desire for a cooperative approach, Ford stated, “I want to send more electricity down to the US, to our closest allies or our best neighbors in the world.” However, he candidly acknowledged the potential for escalation, stating, “As he continues to hurt Canadian families, Ontario families, I won’t hesitate to do that.”
President Trump’s response was swift and decisive. He announced an increase in tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, escalating the economic pressure on our northern neighbor. Trump’s statement on Truth Social laid out his strategy:
“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…”
Trump further called for the removal of Canada’s steep tariffs on U.S. dairy products and hinted at drastic measures, including the possibility of declaring a national emergency on electricity. His vision extended to a long-term solution involving closer integration between Canada and the U.S.
“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…”
Faced with this formidable stance, Premier Ford announced later on Tuesday a suspension of the surcharge on electricity exports to states like Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
Please see a joint statement from United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and myself: Today, United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Premier of Ontario Doug Ford had a productive conversation about the economic relationship between the United States and Canada.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation)
March 11, 2025
This decision followed a productive conversation between U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Premier Ford, paving the way for a meeting in Washington to discuss the USMCA agreement before an upcoming tariff deadline. This sequence of events underscores the strength and influence of American leadership, driving critical diplomatic engagement and economic strategy.
