Tue Mar 11 11:03:03 UTC 2025: ## Trump Threatens Canada with Retaliatory Tariffs After Ontario Imposes Electricity Surcharge

**Washington D.C./Toronto –** Tensions between the United States and Canada escalated sharply Monday after Ontario imposed a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. President Donald Trump responded by labeling Canada a “tariff abuser” and declaring the U.S. no longer needs Canadian energy, cars, or lumber.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford justified the surcharge as a retaliatory measure against President Trump’s ongoing imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. Ford stated that the surcharge, which will add approximately $100 to monthly bills for 1.5 million homes and businesses in the affected U.S. states, will remain in place until the tariff threats are completely removed. He warned he would not hesitate to increase the charge or even cut off electricity entirely if the U.S. escalates its actions.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social, threatened reciprocal tariffs on all Canadian goods, beginning April 2nd. He reiterated his claim that the U.S. is not dependent on Canadian resources and suggested the tariffs will recoup any losses. While some exemptions were granted last week, approximately 62% of Canadian imports remain subject to tariffs, including a 10% levy on energy resources. Further, 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada are set to take effect on Wednesday.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized Trump’s actions, stating that Minnesotans are the primary victims of the trade war and called for an end to the escalating conflict. The escalating trade dispute has cast a shadow over the already strained relationship between the two North American neighbors.

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