Donald Trump warns he will 'shut down' one major business in Canada if they don't make extreme change to tariffs
The US-Canada trade conflict continues to escalate as Trump announces his forthcoming actions.
Donald Trump's fresh tariffs come in response to price increases that Ontario's provincial government imposed on electricity exported to the US. Trump had earlier cautioned Canada that the US would take retaliatory measures. On his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined his strategy for countering Canada.
Trump stated: "Due to Ontario, Canada, placing a 25% Tariff on 'Electricity' flowing into the United States, I have directed my Secretary of Commerce to add an EXTRA 25% Tariff, to 50%, on all STEEL and ALUMINUM ENTERING THE UNITED STATES FROM CANADA, ONE OF THE HIGHEST TAXING NATIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD."
Trump also insisted Canada implement certain changes or face continued pressure. He added: "This will take effect TOMORROW MORNING, March 12th. Additionally, Canada must promptly remove their Anti-American Farmer Tariff of 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products, which has long been deemed excessive."
"I will soon declare a National Emergency on Electricity within the affected region. This will enable the U.S to swiftly implement necessary actions to address this harmful threat from Canada."
Trump emphasized that these initial steps are just the beginning and cautioned that additional tariff hikes could follow in April. He also expressed his readiness to 'completely end the automobile manufacturing industry in Canada'.
His message continued: "If other unfair, long-standing Tariffs are not similarly eliminated by Canada, I will greatly increase, on April 2nd, the Tariffs on Cars entering the U.S. which will, effectively, completely end the automobile manufacturing industry in Canada."
"These vehicles can readily be produced in the USA! Furthermore, Canada contributes very little to National Security, depending on the United States for military defense."
He again suggested Canada should become America's 51st state to prevent further trade disputes, a proposal that has been met with resistance in Canada.
Trump concluded his message by saying: "The only logical solution is for Canada to become our valued Fifty First State. This would eliminate all Tariffs, and everything else, completely."
"Canadians' taxes will be significantly reduced, they will enjoy greater security, militarily and otherwise, than ever before, there would no longer be a Northern Border issue, and the greatest and most powerful nation in the World will be larger, better and stronger than ever."
