Canada could restrict oil exports to US if trade war escalates: energy minister

Canada may consider non-tariff measures, such as restricting oil exports or levying export duties on products, if its trade dispute with the U.S. worsens, Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson warned on Tuesday.

As the U.S. ramped up tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, Wilkinson emphasized that Canada, the top supplier of oil to the U.S., holds leverage in the energy sector.

"Everything is on the table," Wilkinson said, adding that while oil exports are difficult to displace, the U.S. refineries' reliance on Canadian heavy crude presents a challenge for retaliation.