Beirut: In a major escalation of trade tensions with Canada, U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from the northern border. The tariffs will increase from the current rate of 25% to 50%, effective Wednesday.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, this decision was prompted by a recent move from the Canadian province of Ontario, which imposed a 25% tariff on electricity exports to the United States. This new tariff regime is expected to intensify the ongoing trade war between the two neighboring countries, raising concerns among businesses and consumers over potential price increases and supply chain disruptions.

The new tariffs are set to exacerbate the already strained economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada. Trump also threatened to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, a statement likely to fuel further diplomatic tensions.

Additionally, tariffs of 25% on steel and aluminum imports from other countries are expected to go into effect on Wednesday. This move reflects the Trump administration's broader strategy to protect domestic industries by imposing tariffs on foreign imports.