'Our cherished Fifty First State': Trump announces doubling of Canada's steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%, repeats unification rhetoric

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he would double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, raising them from 25 per cent to 50 per cent, escalating a trade dispute with Washington’s northern neighbour.
The new tariffs, he said, would take effect “tomorrow morning.”
Trump justified the move as a response to Ontario’s decision to impose a 25 per cent electricity surcharge on US states, a move he deemed “egregious.” In retaliation, he also warned of possible car import tariffs from April 2, which he claimed would “permanently shut down the automobile manufacturing business in Canada.”
Reviving past rhetoric, Trump suggested that the “only thing which makes sense” would be for Canada to join the United States as “our cherished Fifty-First State.” He posted on Truth Social that such an arrangement would eliminate tariffs and reduce Canadian taxes. "Canadians would be more secure, militarily and otherwise, than ever before," he added, arguing that it would also solve border issues.
The trade war has sparked alarm among economists and business leaders. Harvard economist Larry Summers warned that Trump’s protectionist policies were “chilling demand and causing prices to rise,” putting the US economy at a 50-50 risk of recession. The S&P 500 fell 2.7 per cent on Monday and continued to drop on Tuesday following Trump’s announcement.
Despite the concerns, some US manufacturers see an opportunity. Drew Greenblatt, owner of Marlin Steel, told AFP, “We only use American steel, so we’re thrilled with the tariffs.” However, homebuilders and automakers warned that higher steel prices would raise costs for consumers, further straining affordability.
Canada’s incoming Prime Minister Mark Carney responded defiantly, saying, “Canadians are always ready to stand up for their way of life.” Meanwhile, Trump is set to address the Business Roundtable, where he hopes to reassure corporate leaders as concerns over a potential economic downturn mount.