Premier David Eby Calls for Tax on U.S. Thermal Coal Passing Through B.C. in Response to Trump’s Tariffs

Premier David Eby has urged the federal government to impose a tax on U.S. thermal coal passing through British Columbia in retaliation to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. B.C. ports, particularly the Port of Vancouver, play a crucial role in facilitating coal exports from U.S. states such as Montana and Wyoming, which depend on Canada to reach Asian markets.

According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the Port of Vancouver handled approximately 17.4 million metric tons of thermal coal in 2024, with about three-quarters of it originating from the U.S. and being shipped to foreign markets like South Korea and Japan.

Eby has directly proposed this idea to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, suggesting that the federal government either tax or potentially ban U.S. coal exports passing through B.C. In support of this move, B.C. Opposition Leader John Rustad has echoed the same request.