# Ontario trade policy and market diversification > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-trade-policy-and-market-diversification > Updated: 2026-10-06T21:30:45.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2. Ontario is navigating shifting trade dynamics following increased tensions with the United States. Amidst U.S. tariff announcements and Canadian signals of “dollar-for-dollar” retaliation, Premier Doug Ford has threatened to restrict electricity exports to the U.S., potentially affecting millions of homes and businesses in Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. Ford suggested that surcharges or restrictions could also be applied to critical minerals, uranium, potash, and oil to protect domestic job security. In response to a perceived inward turn by the United States, Ontario is seeking to diversify its markets. The province has expressed a commitment to strengthening commercial ties with Portugal, a nation Ford described as a ‘vital commercial partner’. Efforts to expand bilateral trade, which exceeded 1.1 billion Canadian dollars in 2025, are focusing on sectors such as aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: Ontario seeks to strengthen trade ties with Portugal Ontario Premier Doug Ford aims to strengthen trade ties with Portugal, focusing on aerospace, life sciences, and manufacturing to diversify markets as the U.S. economy turns inward. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-seeks-to-strengthen-trade-ties-with-portugal ### 2026-09-30: Ontario threatens to cut electricity exports to the United States Ontario Premier Doug Ford is threatening to cut electricity exports to the U.S. in response to escalating trade tariffs, potentially affecting 1.5 million American homes and businesses. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ontario-threatens-to-cut-electricity-exports-to-the-united-states --- Cite as: Ontario trade policy and market diversification. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ontario-trade-policy-and-market-diversification