Ontario expands US trade ties with Utah as tariff tensions continue

Ontario has signed a new trade agreement with the US state of Utah as it continues to strengthen economic ties with individual American states amid ongoing trade tensions.

Premier Doug Ford signed the memorandum of understanding with Utah Governor Spencer Cox during the annual meeting of Western US governors in Deer Valley, Utah. According to the Ontario government, the agreement forms part of Ford's Fortress North America strategy, launched in response to the trade dispute with the United States.

The agreement commits both sides to expanding cooperation in key sectors including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, energy, nuclear technology, life sciences, forestry, and information and communications technology .

In a news release, Ford said: "Canada and the United States are always stronger when we work together to increase cooperation, collaboration and trade so we can grow the economy on both sides of the border."

"With nearly $7 billion in annual trade between Ontario and Utah already, today’s agreement will help deliver new opportunities for our province’s world-class workers and companies and create lasting prosperity in both regions."

THe deal also outlines plans to collaborate on advanced nuclear technologies, electricity grid modernisation, energy storage and critical mineral supply chains.

Cox welcomed the partnership, saying: "Utah and Ontario share a strong commitment to building and powering the future."

“This agreement strengthens an already important trade relationship and supports good jobs on both sides of the border. We’re grateful for Premier Ford’s partnership and excited to keep this momentum going”, he added.