U.S. President Donald Trump left open the possibility of suspending additional tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after the announcement from Ontario's governor regarding the suspension of taxes on electricity sent to the United States. Trump mentioned that he would reconsider these tariffs in response to the decision by conservative Governor Doug Ford to cancel the increase in electricity tariffs directed at the United States.
At an event at the White House with Elon Musk, Trump praised Ford's decision and noted that Ontario would not impose additional taxes or costs on U.S. electricity, which opens the door to revisiting the previously announced tariff measure. Hours earlier, Trump communicated that he would increase the tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada from 25% to 50%, in response to Ontario’s decision to raise electricity costs destined for the United States by 25%.
The measure to double the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum was announced by Trump through his social media, indicating that it would take effect the following day. These tariffs would be added to the already planned 25% tariffs on metal imports from all countries, primarily affecting Canada and Mexico, the main exporters of these materials to the United States.
The Ontario governor had indicated that the increase in electricity prices was a response to Trump’s trade policies, which generated tensions and episodes of tariff attacks. Ontario's decision to temporarily suspend the increase will not only avoid additional electricity costs but also possible repercussions on the trade relationship between Canada and the United States.
