(TheRedAlertNews.com) – The tangled web of international trade just took another intriguing turn as Ontario Premier Doug Ford raised the surrender flag and agreed to delay a proposed 25% surcharge on electricity exported to the United States.
See the video below!
Encouraging trade talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick prompted this decision.
On March 11, 2025, Doug Ford announced Ontario would suspend a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to Michigan, New York, and Minnesota.
Premier Ford’s decision follows President Trump’s additional 25% duties on Canadian aluminum and steel.
The intention here seems clear: prevent further escalation and open dialogue channels, The New York Post reports.
The conversation between Ford and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was described as “productive,” fostering optimism for improved U.S.-Canada trade relations.
Both leaders aim to discuss a renewed USMCA in upcoming meetings with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington.
Such dialogue provides a breath of fresh air in a climate of unyielding tariffs and international posturing.
Ford’s suspension of the surcharge serves as a strategic olive branch.
“We have both agreed, let cooler heads prevail,” Ford said of his conversation with Lutnick.
While not a complete trade ceasefire, this gesture underscores a mutual willingness to negotiate rather than retaliate.
President Trump praised Ford for retracting the surcharge, signaling rare gratitude amidst threats of increased tariffs on Canadian goods.
However, it’s unclear if the steel and aluminum tariffs will indeed take effect.
Trump’s previous threats to raise these tariffs to 50% and impose new ones on Canada’s auto industry and dairy remain a looming specter.
“He has called, and he said he’s not going to do that … it would’ve been a very bad thing if he did, and he’s not going to do that, so I respect that,” Trump stated.
Despite this pause in tension, the long-standing trade issues are far from over.
The U.S. remains Canada’s top importer of steel and aluminum, highlighting the stakes at risk.
Trump’s fluctuating tariff plans continue to unsettle the stock market and stir recession fears.
Ultimately, Ford’s decision to halt the surcharge represents a cautious but hopeful step toward trade stability.
Keeping up?
Doug Ford suspends the 25% electricity tariff on the US.
Canada’s tough guy persona is all political theatre. pic.twitter.com/SfYGLBbkdU
— Meghan Murphy (@MeghanEMurphy) March 11, 2025
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