(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump reversed his decision to double the nation’s steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada to 50%, a White House spokesperson said.
A 25% tariff is still set to go into effect starting at midnight Wednesday, with “no exceptions or exemptions,” the spokesperson said.
The initial levy leap had been in retaliation to Ontario Premier Doug Ford imposing a 25% electricity tariff on exports to Michigan, New York and Minnesota, Trump said on social media.
However, Ford and U.S. Commerce Howard Lutnick had a call on Tuesday, and said in a joint statement that the 25% surcharge on electricity from Canada to the three states will be suspended.
Canada is the top source of U.S. steel and aluminum imports. Nearly a quarter, 23%, of the nation’s imported steel comes from its northern neighbor, according to Statista. Roughly half of all aluminum used in the U.S. is imported, with Canada leading the charge at 58% in 2024.
Trump said he “appreciated the call” between Ford and Lutnick.