Ontario Premier Doug Ford Reverses Electricity Tariff on U.S. States After Trump’s Retaliatory Threat

Ford apologizes to Americans and suspends a 25% electricity surcharge following a sharp escalation in U.S.-Canada trade tensions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford imposed and quickly rescinded a 25% electricity tariff on exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota in response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs.
The tariff reversal came after President Trump threatened to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50%, which would have taken effect the next day.
Ford apologized to Americans during a radio interview, emphasizing the importance of U.S.-Canada cooperation and describing his subsequent talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as 'productive.'
The electricity surcharge, if implemented, would have affected approximately 1.5 million U.S. homes and businesses, potentially increasing monthly bills by $100, according to Ford.
Ford and Lutnick are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C., to negotiate a resolution before the April 2 deadline, with both sides signaling a willingness to avoid further escalation.