In a bold move to protect American manufacturing, President Donald Trump has announced an additional 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, effectively doubling the existing tariffs to 50%.
The decision comes in response to what Trump calls unfair trade practices, including Ontario’s recent 25% surcharge on power exports to the United States.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 11.
The new tariffs, set to take effect on March 12, 2025, have sparked economic ripples.
While critics warn of potential cost increases, U.S. aluminum prices and domestic steel producers have seen a boost, reinforcing Trump’s argument that strong trade policies benefit American workers.
The S&P 500 dipped slightly following the announcement, but markets remain largely stable.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has denounced the tariffs, vowing Canada will not back down.
However, Trump has countered with a warning of further tariffs on Canadian automobiles if Canada refuses to negotiate. In a characteristically bold remark, he even suggested that Canada could eliminate such disputes altogether by joining the United States as its 51st state—a comment swiftly dismissed by Canadian officials.
While globalists and free-trade advocates decry the move, working-class Americans and domestic manufacturers see it as another example of Trump standing up for U.S. jobs.
As trade tensions escalate, all eyes are on Canada’s next move and whether it will choose cooperation or continued confrontation.