Trump Delays Tariffs on Canada for 30 Days Amid Fentanyl Talks
Washington, D.C. (Reuters) — U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to delay tariffs on Canadian imports for at least 30 days, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday. The decision follows a similar move regarding tariffs on Mexico.
Earlier, Trump had announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods from both Canada and Mexico, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. The tariffs were part of a broader strategy to combat the ongoing opioid crisis, particularly fentanyl trafficking.
Trudeau shared the update on social media, saying he had a productive call with Trump and that Canada had made new commitments to address the fentanyl issue. These commitments include the appointment of a "Fentanyl Czar." Trudeau also emphasized that the tariffs would be paused while both countries worked together on a resolution.
The tariffs were initially announced over the weekend, and Trudeau had warned that Canada would retaliate with its own 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports if the plan went forward. The pause on tariffs gives both sides more time to reach an agreement.
Trump confirmed the delay, praising Canada’s commitment to securing the Northern Border and taking steps to curb fentanyl trafficking. He also mentioned the tariff pause would last 30 days, allowing time for negotiations on a broader economic deal between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, Trump had also delayed tariffs on Mexico after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to deploy 10,000 soldiers to the northern border to tackle the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. The vast majority of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border comes from Mexico. In 2024, over 21,100 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the southern border, while only about 43 pounds were found at the Canadian border.
