Key facts
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatened to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the US.
- Ford stated that 'everything's on the table' in the escalating trade dispute.
- US President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods took effect after trade talks failed.
- Canada exports electricity to over 20 US states, with New York and Michigan being major importers.
- Other Canadian products like oil, nickel, uranium, and potash could be leveraged.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs matching US tariffs dollar-for-dollar.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the United States as a trade dispute between the two North American allies escalates. Ford stated that 'everything's on the table' and that Canada would leverage all possible pain on Americans if the trade war continues, warning that President Donald Trump underestimates Canada.
Trump's latest round of tariffs on Canadian goods, impacting items such as alcohol, hockey equipment, paper, and construction materials, took effect after trade talks failed. Canada is a significant supplier of electricity to the US, exporting $3.3 billion worth in 2025 to over 20 states, with New York and Michigan being the largest importers from Ontario. Ford indicated that other Canadian products, including oil, nickel, uranium, and potash, could also be leveraged in the dispute.
Trump has also escalated rhetoric, threatening to increase tariffs on cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel to 50% starting January 1, 2027. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will match US tariffs 'dollar-for-dollar' starting September 8. Tensions between the US and Canada have been strained since early 2025 when Trump initially imposed broad tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.