Trump pauses tariffs on Canadian imports in border security deal.
The United States has put a 30-day hold on imposing tariffs on Canadian imports, including salmon, following an agreement between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on enhanced border security measures.
The temporary reprieve, announced late on Monday, comes after Mexico secured a similar pause earlier in the day, raising concerns that Canada might not receive the same treatment.
In exchange for the tariff pause, Canada has pledged C$1.3 billion (£724m) in border security measures, including disrupting fentanyl trafficking, increasing surveillance with drones and Black Hawk helicopters, and appointing a “fentanyl czar” to oversee enforcement efforts.
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
Trump confirmed the deal in a post on Truth Social, stating: “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border… The tariffs announced on Saturday will be paused for a 30-day period to see whether or not a final economic deal with Canada can be structured.”
While Canadian seafood producers will welcome the short-term relief, the possibility of tariffs remains unresolved, with Trump warning that the pause is conditional on Canada’s follow-through on border commitments.
The uncertainty leaves exporters in limbo, particularly as Canada’s market share in the U.S. for farmed Atlantic salmon has already been shrinking due to domestic production challenges.
