ST. PAUL, MN - Following the enactment of President Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Governor Tim Walz today met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew to discuss ways to alleviate tariff impacts and strengthen our trade relationships. Yesterday, Governor Walz visited a corn and soybean farm in Cannon Falls where he highlighted the impact of federal tariffs on Minnesota Farmers. Photos from the meeting are linked here.

“President Trump’s tariffs pose a serious threat to the future of trade with Canada. But while the President may not value the partnerships that contribute billions of dollars to our economy, Minnesota does,” said Governor Walz. “I am working closely with Canadian leadership to help Minnesota get through this unnecessary and costly trade war.”

Effective March 4, Canadian imports into the United States will be subject to an additional 25% tariff. Canadian energy products will be subject to a 10% tariff. In response, the Canadian government is imposing retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of products.

Ontario is levying a 25% export tax on electricity and has threatened to cut off electricity sales to the U.S. completely if President Trump moves forward with another round of tariffs on April 2. The cost is particularly acute for industrial customers in the northeastern part of the state where energy and supply chains will get more expensive. The new tariffs and response from Canada will reduce Minnesota’s competitiveness with other less-impacted regions of the United States.

Much of Minnesota’s natural gas comes from Canada, with five of the six natural gas pipelines that transport gas in Minnesota originating from Canada. Physical limitation to pipelines will make it hard to quickly switch to other sources, and the costs of the 10% tariffs will be passed on to Minnesota consumers. National estimates suggest that tariffs could raise U.S. gasoline prices $.05-$0.20 per gallon.