Ontario Premier Doug Ford is urging Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to increase tariffs on the U.S. in response to President Trump’s recent decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum.
“I really think the Prime Minister should impose a matching 25% tariff on President Trump’s steel tariffs, on top of our existing tariffs,” Ford expressed during his appearance on CNN’s “Situation Room.”
Ford emphasized the importance of addressing the global steel flow, particularly from China, saying, “Canada is not the issue here. We’ve already eliminated $30 billion worth of issues with the U.S.”
This week, Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs, which will affect almost all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., although the UK is exempt due to a recent trade deal.
Canada has previously responded with retaliatory tariffs of 25% on U.S. aluminum and steel products. However, when Carney met with Trump earlier this month, he was not prepared to endorse Ford’s proposition.
“We are currently in detailed discussions with the Americans regarding trade relations, so it won’t be too long,” Carney told reporters.
He added, “These talks are ongoing. I should mention that the U.S. actions are part of a broader global strategy. It might take some time, as these measures aren’t specifically targeting Canada.”
Ford pointed out that Ontario has the option to take its own action. When asked about potentially reinstating the electricity surcharge, he replied, “Everything is on the table.”
Ontario had previously imposed a 25% surcharge on its electricity exports to the U.S. after Trump threatened the tariffs on steel and aluminum. Ford later spoke with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who subsequently halted tariffs affecting Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
