Business & Finance
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off electricity exports to US amid escalating trade dispute
Canadian officials consider leveraging energy and critical mineral exports as cross-border tariff tensions intensify.
The short version
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that Canada could stop exporting electricity, fuel, and critical minerals to the US in response to rising trade tensions.
- The warning follows new US tariffs on Canadian imports and a threat from President Trump to raise tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, and steel to 50% in 2027.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to implement dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs against the US starting September 8.
Key facts
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated that Canada could leverage electricity, fuel, and critical minerals—including oil, nickel, uranium, and potash—in the trade dispute with the US.[Business Insider]
- Ford specifically raised the option of completely shutting off electricity exports from Ontario to the US.[Business Insider]
- Canada exported $3.3 billion worth of power to the US in 2025, with New York and Michigan being the primary importers of electricity from Ontario.[Business Insider]
- New US tariffs on various Canadian goods took effect on Saturday following a breakdown in bilateral negotiations.[Business Insider]
- President Donald Trump announced plans to increase tariffs on steel, cars, trucks, and auto parts to 50% beginning January 1, 2027.[Business Insider]
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs matching US duties dollar-for-dollar starting September 8.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Canadian provincial leaders will agree to coordinated actions to restrict energy and mineral exports to the US remains unverified.[Business Insider]
Sources
- Canada could cut off electricity to the US, official says: 'Everything's on the table'Business Insider metered