President Donald Trump is ratcheting up pressure on Canada, announcing late Monday that he will double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent, citing Ontario’s move to levy a tax on U.S. electricity exports.
“This will go into effect TOMORROW MORNING, March 12th,” Trump declared in a Truth Social post, emphasizing the urgency of the measure. The hike comes just hours before an already-planned 25 percent tariff was set to take effect at midnight, marking yet another sharp shift in U.S.-Canada trade relations under Trump’s second term.
The president’s move underscores his determination to confront what he sees as Canada’s unfair trade policies, particularly its long-standing protectionist measures on key industries.
Trump further warned that if Canada does not roll back tariffs on dairy products and other U.S. agricultural products, he will impose even broader restrictions on Canadian exports starting April 2.
“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,” Trump said.
The White House is also preparing to increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts, a move that could deliver a serious blow to Canada’s manufacturing sector. In February, Trump delayed a