Canada has announced $21 billion in new tariffs on U.S. imports, targeting computers, sports gear, and cast iron products, as tensions escalate in the ongoing trade dispute with Washington.
The move, revealed by Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc on Wednesday, follows President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. LeBlanc stated that Canada is taking a dollar-for-dollar approach, with the new tariffs set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 13, 2025.
“This includes steel products worth C$12.6 billion, aluminum products worth C$3 billion, and additional U.S. imports worth C$14.2 billion,” LeBlanc said.
The tariff battle intensified after Trump accused Canada of unfair trade practices and vowed the country would pay a “historic financial price” for its newly imposed electricity surcharge on U.S. states, including Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford later announced a reversal of the electricity tariff, prompting Trump to halt plans to double duties on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent, keeping them at 25 percent instead.
The trade war has fueled further tensions, with Trump suggesting that the U.S. should annex Canada as its 51st state, arguing it would eliminate border and tariff issues.
“Canada would be great as our cherished 51st state. You wouldn’t have border problems. You wouldn’t have anything,” Trump said.
The dispute remains unresolved, with U.S. and Canadian officials scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss further tariff negotiations ahead of an April 2 deadline for additional U.S. measures.
