Trump Pauses Tariffs on Canada, Mexico Amid Fentanyl Crisis Talks

OTTAWA, Ontario — U.S. President Donald Trump agreed Monday to pause planned tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico for at least 30 days, following commitments from both countries to address the fentanyl crisis. The decision came after separate discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The pause, announced by Trudeau in a tweet, followed Trump’s initial threat to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% tariff on energy resources from Canada. Trudeau had warned of retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods.

“I just had a good call with President Trump,” Trudeau tweeted. “Canada has made new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, among other measures. Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together.”

In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Canada’s commitment to securing the northern border and combating fentanyl trafficking. “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country,” he wrote. “I am very pleased with this initial outcome.”

Earlier Monday, Trump also paused tariffs on Mexico after Sheinbaum pledged to deploy 10,000 soldiers to her country’s northern border to curb fentanyl shipments. The vast majority of fentanyl seized at U.S. borders originates in Mexico, with over 21,100 pounds intercepted in 2024 compared to just 43 pounds at the Canadian border.

The temporary tariff reprieve comes amid growing concerns over the opioid crisis in the U.S., which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Both Canada and Mexico have faced increasing pressure to address their roles in the trafficking of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times more potent than heroin.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking on Meet the Press NOW, warned of the economic consequences of a trade war between the U.S. and Canada. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) echoed concerns, stating that tariffs would “hurt the people that elected” Trump.

The 30-day pause provides a window for further negotiations, with Trump emphasizing the potential for a “final Economic deal” with Canada. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for North American trade relations and the ongoing battle against the opioid epidemic.