Ford Says U.S. Tariffs May Become Permanent Fixture

He argued that Canada must plan as if the tariffs are permanent, emphasizing that the bilateral economic partnership “has changed permanently.”

Bloomberg

The warning follows the Trump administration’s invocation of Section 232 to impose duties on steel, aluminum, autos and lumber, which have already reduced market access for Canadian producers. In addition, the United States recently levied 50 % tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods and imposed import bans on a limited set of products, including certain alcoholic beverages. Industry Minister Melanie Joly has noted bipartisan support in Washington for the duties, while U.S. lawmakers from both parties have urged President Trump to temper the trade war and refocus on China.

Bloomberg

A National Bank analysis places Ontario’s average U.S. tariff rate at 9 %, the second-highest among Canadian provinces after Quebec’s 11 %. Ford warned that the rate could rise sharply if the administration follows through on a threat to increase tariffs on Canadian automobiles, trucks, automotive parts and steel products to 50 % on New Year’s Day.

PoliticoBloomberg

Ford’s remarks were echoed by Industry Minister Melanie Joly, who described the U.S. approach as having “bipartisan support” and cautioned that the specific sectors and countries targeted remain under debate. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, said Democrats could not guarantee a reversal of the tariffs, noting their trade strategy would differ markedly from Trump’s.

Bloomberg

• “Canada’s relationship with the United States has changed permanently. We can no longer depend on what has been the most durable, prosperous and secure economic partnership the world has ever known,” — Ontario Premier Doug Ford

Bloomberg