The United States imposed a new 10% [1] tariff on Canadian goods on Friday, sparking a sharp response from Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
This escalation threatens the economic stability of the North American trade corridor and signals a deepening dispute between the two neighboring nations. The move puts immediate pressure on exporters and could lead to significant price increases for consumers in both countries.
Speaking on CBS’s program “The Takeout,” Ford addressed the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump. He described the move as a regrettable step in the ongoing trade tensions.
"It's unfortunate he took this avenue," Ford said.
The current 10% [1] levy is only the first phase of the proposed trade actions. According to reports, additional duties of 50% [2] are slated to begin later in August [2]. These higher rates would represent a massive increase in the cost of transporting goods across the border.
Ford emphasized that Canada was not the aggressor in the current trade conflict. He argued that the country must now protect its own economic interests in the face of these measures.
"We didn't start this war," Ford said.
Ford said that the Canadian government and its provinces must take a firm stance against the U.S. administration to prevent further economic damage. He indicated that the time for passive diplomacy has passed given the scale of the tariffs.
"Canada needs to fight back," Ford said.
The Ontario government continues to monitor the impact on local industries as the August deadline for the 50% [2] duties approaches.
“"It's unfortunate he took this avenue."”
The imposition of these tariffs suggests a shift toward aggressive protectionism in U.S. trade policy toward its largest partner. By calling for Canada to 'fight back,' Premier Ford is signaling a potential move toward retaliatory tariffs, which could trigger a broader trade war and disrupt integrated supply chains across the automotive and agriculture sectors.
