The United States will pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump in which both leaders discussed border security, migration, and drug trafficking.
Trudeau, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), said he had a “good call” with Trump and outlined Canada’s commitment to tougher measures aimed at curbing illegal border crossings and drug smuggling.
“I just had a good call with President Trump,” Trudeau posted. “Canada will deploy nearly 10,000 frontline officers to help secure the border, list drug cartels as terrorists, appoint a ‘Fentanyl Czar,’ and crack down on money laundering.”
The move comes as the U.S. has pressured Canada to tighten border controls, particularly in response to the influx of migrants and the flow of illicit fentanyl into North America.
The 30-day tariff pause signals a temporary de-escalation in trade tensions between the two countries. Trump had previously threatened higher tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and dairy products, citing concerns over border security and the impact of drug smuggling on the U.S. opioid crisis.
Canada Ramps Up Border Measures
As part of the new measures, Canada will:
• Deploy 10,000 additional officers to strengthen border security.
• Classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations, allowing for tougher crackdowns on cross-border trafficking.
• Appoint a ‘Fentanyl Czar’ to coordinate efforts against the opioid epidemic.
• Strengthen anti-money laundering laws to cut off financial networks supporting organized crime.
U.S.-Canada Relations at a Crossroads
The announcement comes amid strained relations between Washington and Ottawa, with Trump previously accusing Canada of not doing enough to stop illegal border crossings and the fentanyl crisis. The 30-day reprieve gives both sides time to negotiate further security and trade measures.
White House officials have yet to comment on the agreement, but sources suggest Trump is closely monitoring Canada’s enforcement actions before making a final decision on whether to reinstate tariffs.
With the U.S. presidential election approaching, border security and the opioid crisis remain key issues in Trump’s re-election campaign. The success of Canada’s new measures could play a pivotal role in shaping future trade and security agreements between the two allies.
