Posted on 03/04/2025 5:59:40 AM PST by davikkm
Doug Ford is throwing a tantrum, and he wants the whole continent to feel it. The Ontario Premier, in response to Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, is now vowing to cut off nickel shipments to the U.S., a move he claims will “shut down manufacturing” south of the border. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also hinting at flipping the switch on electricity exports. Big threats, but let’s break down what’s really going on here.
Nickel is no small thing—Ontario supplies about 50% of what the U.S. needs for its industries. It’s a core component in stainless steel, batteries, and a range of high-tech applications. If Ford follows through, it could create real headaches for American manufacturers. But let’s be clear—cutting off that supply doesn’t just hurt the U.S., it cuts deep into Ontario’s own economy too. Who’s really taking the hit here?
(Excerpt) Read more at citizenwatchreport.com ...
Yes they will feel the pain more than we do.
Until it is really hot or cold.
But then, this whole electricity thing is just a passing fad anyway.
If they shut down hydropower to the Northeast US, maybe those states will have to go back to natural gas or or even, eek, coal generation.
The aluminum/steel tariffs his first term had a net negative effect that Trump claimed was a win also.
Do you want your aluminum/steel domestically produced or do you want to save some bucks by exporting the jobs to cheaper regions?
There is a cost to domesticating production and you have to be willing to pay that price in order to not make yourself a slave beholden to the world.
The US was on its way to being a service nation, that does just paperwork, with China taking most of your country’s production. If you want your country to produce, you have to be willing to pay more for stuff the US now produces that China used to.
Think of the higher price as protection for your country to exist.
Cool. The tariff’s are working.
What a stupid mother effer.
Looks like the Eagle Mine in the UP of Michigan will have to ramp up even more production.
BTW, they have found more deposits up there.
So eff him.
UP of Michigan.
Eagle Mine.
Theres lots more up there. They just are not saying.
The Sudbury Basin is one of the world’s most prolific nickel-producing regions, often referred to as the “nickel capital of the world.” Located in northern Ontario, this geological formation hosts multiple mines operated by major companies like Vale and Glencore.
These northern Ontario mines are the backbone of Canada’s nickel production, which ranked sixth globally in 2023 with 158,668 tonnes. Ontario’s Sudbury Basin historically dominates due to its scale and longevity, while Quebec’s northern mines and Labrador’s Voisey’s Bay add diversity and high-grade output. Manitoba’s Thompson operations, though older, remain relevant. Exploration continues in other areas like British Columbia, but the major active mines are concentrated in these four provinces.
I’ve heard of pinching a penny, but cutting a nickel—that’s tough.
Grok it on X.
Does the US actually produce stainless steel and batteries these days? Hard to keep track.
Fine, FAFO
Sit back and watch the tit for tat
Russia has a lot of nickel.
It’s not going to bring back jobs if the economy tanks. Didn’t work under McKinley and won’t in a globalized economy even more.
Also, Doug Ford and Christina Kruschev (I don't care what her name is) are no friend to the USA. So, bring on the FAFO and I'll make more popcorn.
Here’s something FReepers may not know and this article says NOTHING about:
Canada has had a mining contract with Communist Cuba since the Fidel Castro era, and still has one.
Cuban labor paid maybe, maybe a cuban peso a day- mines nickel from large mines in Cuba that have great quantities of ore. Canada pays Cuba directly for the labor cost plus a tipping fee and ships the ore by sea to Canada for processing. The cost to the US in nickel is surcharged to the US. So this story is not quite true.
what, they have cards to play?
I would be quite happy if they stop sending electricity to NY.
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