U.S. and Canada Trade Conflict Intensifies...Trump Imposes 50% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum (Comprehensive)

# Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Canadian Steel and Aluminum WASHINGTON—In a rising trade conflict, President Donald Trump revealed on March 11 (local time) plans to impose a 50% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. The escalation follows Ontario province's announcement of a 25% additional charge on electricity exports to the U.S., prompting retaliatory measures from the Trump administration. Trump announced on Truth Social, “Based on Ontario's decision to impose a 25% tariff on electricity entering the United States, I have directed the Secretary of Commerce to increase existing tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada by 25%, bringing the total to 50%, effective immediately." Previously, President Trump had signed an executive order to levy a 25% tariff on all imported steel and aluminum, effective from March 12. The new directive specifically targets Canada with an additional 25% tariff. “This order will take effect from the morning of March 12,” Trump emphasized. The president further warned of additional economic repercussions, urging Canada to reduce high tariffs on U.S. dairy products. “Canada must immediately lower the anti-American farmer tariffs of 250-390% on U.S. dairy products, which have been deemed unreasonable for a long time,” Trump stated. He also mentioned a forthcoming national emergency declaration to address threats to the U.S. power grid from Canada. “If other severe and longstanding Canadian tariffs are not equally reduced, I will drastically increase tariffs on Canadian cars entering the United States by April 2, potentially shutting down the Canadian auto industry permanently. These cars can be easily made in the U.S.,” he added. Additionally, Trump criticized Canada for relying heavily on U.S. military protection while contributing minimally to national security costs. “We subsidize Canada to the tune of over $200 billion annually. This situation cannot continue,” he argued. Despite these threats, it's unclear whether Canada will back down. Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exported to New York, Minnesota, and Michigan, warning, “If the U.S. expands its tariffs, we won’t hesitate to cut off electricity entirely.” While historically strong allies, U.S.-Canada relations have strained since the Trump administration's inception. Trump has continuously targeted Canada in his trade agenda, having already signed an executive order on March 4 imposing a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports due to concerns over fentanyl influxes. Although auto products and USMCA-compliant goods received a month's reprieve, many items were affected by the tariffs. Further, Trump has made provocative remarks about Canada becoming the 51st state of the U.S., which could be seen as an affront to Canadian citizens. In the same vein, Trump argued, “The only thing that makes sense is for Canada to become our precious 51st state. This would eliminate all tariffs and other issues. Canadian taxes would drop significantly, and security would be greatly enhanced. There would be no more northern border issues.” He concluded, “The world's most powerful and greatest nation will become larger, better, and stronger, with Canada as part of it. The artificial separation established long ago will finally disappear, making us the safest and most beautiful country globally.” Conversely, Mark Carney, who recently won the Canadian election and is set to become the new Prime Minister, strongly opposed Trump's stance. “Someone is trying to weaken our economy,” pointed out Carney, blaming Trump. “We cannot allow him to succeed. We will not.” Carney emphasized, “We will retain tariffs until the U.S. shows us respect. If they succeed, it will destroy our way of life.” He clarified, “The U.S. is not Canada, and Canada will never be part of the U.S. in any form. We didn't seek this fight, but we are ready to respond if challenged.”