President Donald Trump recently referred to Canada as a “tariff abuser” and claimed the U.S. no longer needed Canadian energy after Ontario imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to three U.S. states.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, affecting 1.5 million homes and businesses. Trump, speaking on his Truth Social platform, criticized the move, calling it unreasonable and claiming Canada had always abused tariffs. He emphasized that the U.S. would no longer subsidize Canada, stating, “We don’t need your Cars, we don’t need your Lumber, we don’t need your Energy.”
Trump also suggested that reciprocal tariffs would be imposed on all countries, starting April 2, and indicated this would include Canada. His comments reflect ongoing tensions between the two nations, especially regarding trade policies.
Ford, determined to push back against U.S. tariffs, responded by emphasizing that Ontario would not back down until trade issues were resolved. He warned that the surcharge could increase and that Ontario might even cut off electricity supplies if necessary. Ford also pointed out that the surcharge would increase energy bills in the three U.S. states by about $100 per month.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed concern over the financial burden on residents, blaming Trump’s trade policies for the escalating costs.
This latest trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada highlights the deepening trade tensions that could continue to affect cross-border relations.
