The ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and Canada has taken an unexpected and dramatic turn. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a stark warning: if the U.S. continues to escalate its trade measures, Ontario will cut off electricity exports to key American states.
On March 4, 2025, the U.S. implemented new tariffs on Canadian goods, imposing a 10% tariff on energy products such as oil and gas, and a 25% general tariff on most other imports. These measures have severely impacted industries like automotive and agriculture, disrupting supply chains between the two nations.
In response, Canada retaliated with counter-tariffs worth CAD 155 billion, affecting U.S. goods including cars, trucks, steel, aluminum, and even consumer products like orange juice and coffee. Additionally, Canada has hinted at restricting exports of critical materials needed for U.S. industries, intensifying the trade war.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Explosive Press Conference
Ontario Premier Doug Ford did not hold back in his latest press conference. Expressing his frustration over the economic impact of these tariffs, he made it clear that Ontario is prepared to take extreme measures if necessary. Ford announced a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S., directly affecting the states of New York, Minnesota, and Michigan.
“If the United States escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely,” Ford declared.
A trade war electricity blackout?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford just now: “If the US escalates, I will not hesitate to shut the electricity off completely.”
This comes just minutes after President Trump DOUBLED tariffs on steel and aluminum to the US from Canada, to 50%.
The US… https://t.co/0KVombFVkx pic.twitter.com/4EAuE3MpZw
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) March 11, 2025
He emphasized that his actions are not meant to harm American citizens but are a direct response to what he called an “economic war” initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The 25% surcharge on electricity exports is expected to cost American families and businesses up to $400,000 daily. Ford estimated that this move would add approximately $100 per month to electricity bills in affected states. He justified the decision by stating that the revenue generated from this surcharge will be used to support Ontario families and businesses hurt by U.S. tariffs.
Ontario Premier’s threats have only added more tension to an already heated economic conflict. Just last week, he made headlines for stating he would “shut off power to the U.S. with a smile” if Trump continued imposing tariffs on Canadian exports.
If the U.S. moves forward with additional tariffs, Ontario could follow through on Ford’s threat, potentially leaving parts of the U.S. without critical electricity supply. Meanwhile, American industries dependent on Canadian energy and goods are already feeling the pressure.
