Canada and the U.S. have agreed to pause proposed tariffs for 30 days, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has revealed.
On X (Twitter), Trudeau said this is the result of a “good call” with U.S. President Donald Trump about the impending trade war. Over the weekend, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on all imported Canadian goods, prompting Canada to respond with similar tariffs on American products. Trump also hit Mexico with 25 percent tariffs, although those governments also agreed to a 30-day pause today.
I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 3, 2025
For months, Trump has been threatening Canada and Mexico with tariffs, arguing that both countries need to do more to prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S. In response, Trudeau said today that Canada is implement its $1.3 billion border plan to reinforce the border with “new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.” He added that “nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.”
Additionally, he said “Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering.” He added that he’s also signed a “new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million.”
It remains to be seen whether these actions will be enough for Trump, who once again said earlier today that he wants Canada to be the 51st U.S. state — something Trudeau has previously said there’s “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of happening. Trump’s broader policies have also emphasized “America First,” pressuring companies to bring production into the U.S., and these tariffs are one way he’s intended to accomplish that.
On X (Twitter), Ontario Premier Doug Ford also says his provincial government will pause its retaliatory measures against the U.S, which includes the cancellation of its $100 million Starlink deal and U.S. liquor being pulled from LCBO shelves.
Image credit: Shutterstock
Source: Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)
Update: 03/02/2025 at 5:47pm ET — Added mention of Ontario pausing its retaliatory measures.
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