U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose an additional 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, increasing the total to 50% on top of the existing 25% tariff previously announced.
On the 11th, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, stating, "I directed the Secretary of Commerce to impose an additional 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum coming into the United States from Canada, which will make it a total of 50%." Trump noted that this measure will take effect starting the morning of the 12th.
The 12th is the day when Trump announced the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products entering the United States. This is seen as a retaliatory response after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced on the 10th that Canada would impose a 25% surcharge on electricity rates sent to 1.5 million households and businesses in the Minnesota, Michigan, and New York areas.
In this context, Trump stated, "I will soon declare a national emergency regarding electricity in regions threatened by (Canada)," adding, "This will enable us to respond swiftly to Canada's abusive threats."
He added, "If Canada does not eliminate other serious and long-standing tariffs, I will significantly increase the tariffs on automobiles coming from Canada to the United States on April 2, which will permanently halt Canada's automobile manufacturing industry." Trump had previously suspended tariffs on automobiles from Canada and Mexico until April 2.
Trump further stated, "Canada must immediately eliminate anti-American farmer tariffs ranging from 250% to 390% on various U.S. dairy products. These tariffs have long been considered outrageous," and he questioned, "Canada pays almost no expense for national security and relies on the U.S. for military protection. We subsidize Canada by more than $20 billion every year; why should we do that?
Trump remarked, "The most reasonable solution is for Canada to become our 51st state," adding, "The taxes of Canadian citizens will decrease significantly, and they will be safer than ever in military and all other respects, and the northern border issue will cease to exist, making the greatest and most powerful country in the world larger, better, and stronger."
Trump concluded, "The artificially drawn borders will finally disappear, and we will have the safest and most beautiful country in the world," stating, "Your wonderful national anthem will continue to play, but it will now represent a great and powerful state within the greatest country in world history."