Staff Reports
Ontario’s recent retreat from plans to impose a hefty 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. is nothing short of a diplomatic slam dunk for President Trump. The Canadian province’s decision to fold was prompted by discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, demonstrating that when it comes to trade negotiations, Trump isn’t just playing chess—he’s checkmating the competition across the border. Amid ongoing tensions, it’s clear that Trump’s tariff tactics are working wonders, forcing Canada to reconsider their retaliatory measures.
Premier Doug Ford of Ontario, likely feeling the pressure from the Trump administration, announced the suspension of the electricity levy following intense negotiations. He conveyed that it’s important not to hurt the American people, which is a refreshing sentiment coming from a leader trying to curry favor while simultaneously playing the ‘retaliation card’ against U.S. tariffs. While he claims to be aiming for constructive conversations, the outcome suggests that playing poker with Trump might not be the wisest choice—especially when the stakes are so high.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to flex his tariff muscles, moving forward with imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. The importance of these tariffs cannot be overstated, as they underscore Trump’s strategy of using economic pressures to achieve diplomatic goals. Canada is America’s leading supplier of foreign steel and aluminum, and with Trump firmly at the helm, any potential for exemption for U.S. businesses has been swiftly dismissed, leaving no room for negotiation, much to the chagrin of lobbyists from across the globe.
Despite pushback from American companies and foreign officials who were hoping for some leniency or exemptions from the tariffs—much like the carve-outs seen during Trump’s first term—the White House remains staunch. The statement from Trump’s team made it clear: no special treatment will be on the table, and the tariffs will hit with full force. This shows not only resolve but a willingness to stand firm for American interests regardless of outside pressures.
JUST IN: President Trump’s tariff strategy delivered swift victory Tuesday, forcing Ontario to back down from its planned 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the United States. https://t.co/YzDICOOpbc
— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) March 11, 2025
Furthermore, Trump’s warning to Canada about the potential of even steeper tariffs on automobile parts if they don’t back down on retaliatory actions illustrates the administration’s fierce negotiating style. The former president hinted ominously about the possibility of permanently shutting down Canada’s automobile manufacturing should things go awry, reminding everyone that America has the upper hand when it comes to industry. As new Canadian leadership transitions in with Mark Carney set to step into Justin Trudeau’s shoes, they now face an uphill battle in navigating these turbulent trading waters under Trump’s tough tariff regime.
In the wake of these developments, the scheduled meeting between Ford and Lutnick in Washington promises to be a pivotal moment—perhaps the opening of floodgates to revised trade deals under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement. With deadlines looming and Trump’s strong stance on tariffs, it’s clear that negotiating with the master of the deal will require more than just good intentions. Ontario’s retreat serves as a clear reminder: when it comes to trade, Trump knows how to play the game, and right now, he’s playing to win.
