Ford Vows to Hit Back Hard: Retaliatory Tariffs to Sting Americans
Ontario Premier Doug Ford isn’t mincing words: he’s ready to slap retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. to “inflict as much pain as possible” on Americans, following President Donald Trump’s surprise 25% tariff on all non-U.S.-made autos. Announced Wednesday, the levies—set to kick in April 3—will hammer Canadian vehicle exports, and Ford’s promising a fight. “We’re not rolling over,” he declared at Queen’s Park. “They’ll feel it where it hurts.”
Trump’s executive order blindsided Ford, who expected a heads-up. Starting with finished vehicles, the tariffs could soon spread to parts—driving up U.S. car prices and threatening American jobs. “Trump loves saying ‘you’re fired,’” Ford quipped. “Guess he’s aiming that at his own auto workers now.”
Ford’s strategy? A “Team Canada” counterpunch. He’s rallying other premiers next week and calling in auto industry CEOs to plot a unified response. He’s already pitched Prime Minister Mark Carney on targeting U.S. car imports—“We buy as much from them as they do from us,” he noted. But on a potential electricity tariff, Ford’s holding off until April 2, wary of collateral damage to other provinces. “I won’t hurt Canadians to spite Trump,” he said.
With auto costs poised to soar south of the border, Ford predicts Trump’s move will backfire. “They’ll figure out quick who’s really paying for this,” he warned. Ontario—and Canada—are gearing up for a trade war showdown.