Doug Ford Calls for Tariffs Amid U.S.-Canada Trade Breakdown

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has called for the imposition of “additional retaliatory tariffs” against eight U.S. states in response to collapsed trade talks between the U.S. and Canada. Ford’s letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney named Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Texas, and Wisconsin as targets due to their significance to the current U.S. administration.

The letter, dated August 17, was shared widely over the weekend and mentioned the trade “war” declared by Carney following the breakdown of negotiations. Carney halted talks and recalled negotiators to Ottawa after the U.S. introduced allegedly unfair last-minute demands. The U.S. then raised tariffs by 50 percent on Canadian goods, impacting approximately $20 billion of imports.

Canada exports over 75 percent of its goods to the U.S., while the U.S. relies heavily on Canada for energy and minerals. Carney expressed disappointment, calling the tariffs a “miscalculation” and noted the interconnected nature of both economies. Canada’s government aims to diversify trade markets, having expanded since 2025, with changes in trade patterns excluding the coronavirus period.

President Trump has referred to Canada as akin to a 51st state, sparking Canadian resentment and contributing to Carney’s rise. Trump’s comments about Canada’s relationship with the U.S. fueled tensions, with Canada criticized for imposing tariffs on U.S. farmers.

Premier Ford expressed determination to retaliate, aiming to use all available means in Ontario. Carney’s administration prepares to enact counter-tariffs, describing the action as “reluctant” due to collateral effects on certain U.S. businesses and states.

Senator Susan Collins from Maine highlighted the adverse impact of trade disputes on local businesses, while Vermont Democrat Peter Welch labeled the tariffs “a slap in the face” to American exporters. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc had previously indicated optimism about reaching a trade agreement, which was disrupted by new demands from Canada.

The states mentioned by Ford feature significant trade relationships with Canada. Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, and Montana count Canada as a top export market, with substantial portions of their goods heading northward. Canada serves as a major market for Florida, Iowa, Texas, and Wisconsin as well, demonstrating deep economic ties.

Editor contacts for the story are Daniel Orton and Robert Greenall.