Trump Trade War With Canada Sparks Concern on US Energy Supply [Video]

The escalating trade war between the United States and Canada has raised concerns about its potential impact on the U.S. energy supply, particularly in states that import electricity from Ontario.

After President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50 percent, Ontario Premier Doug Ford retaliated by imposing—then later withdrawing—a 25 percent surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. The move left uncertainty for states like Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, which rely on Ontario’s power and have been closely monitoring the situation.

Why It Matters

Ford initially vowed to escalate the dispute, warning that his government was prepared to “shut the electricity off completely” if the U.S. continued increasing tariffs. However, after discussions with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, he withdrew the surcharge, expressing confidence that the U.S. would reconsider its tariff hikes.

Electricity imports from Canada, measured in megawatt-hours (MWh), peaked in 2020 but have since declined. Still, several U.S. cities remain dependent on …