Trump tariffs on Canada “paused” for 30 days, says Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says U.S. President Donald Trump will pause levying tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days.

Taking to his social media Monday afternoon, Trudeau said he spoke to President Trump Monday morning about the forthcoming trade war, which was set to activate rounds of tariffs on Tuesday (Feb. 4).

“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,” Trudeau wrote.

“Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.”

In addition, Canada is making commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, Trudeau said.

READ MORE: “I’m absolutely concerned”: Travel advisors, execs respond to trade war; some cancellations reported

“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,” the PM wrote.

“I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million. “

Trudeau said the proposed tariffs will be paused “for at least 30 days while we work together.”

READ MORE: B.C. Premier tells residents to rethink U.S. travel in light of Trump tariff threat

The call, the second held between the two leaders Monday, came hours before 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods were set to take effect Tuesday, along with 10 per cent tariffs on energy exports to the U.S. 

In retaliation, Trudeau had announced counter tariffs on $30 billion in American goods, which were set to rise to $155 billion later this month.

The U.S. President, earlier in the day, also paused tariffs on Mexico for 30 days after after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to stop drug trafficking.

The update comes as travel professionals in Canada express concerns over the political tensions brought on by the trade conflict, which some travel advisors say has prompted cancelled trips and shifts in consumer spending.

Over the weekend, The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors (ACTA) publicly condemned Trump’s tariffs in a post to social media.

As PAX first reported, ACTA says that while travel agencies and advisors may not be directly targeted by President Trump’s tariffs, “the economic consequences will be severe,” resulting in higher costs for businesses, weaker consumer confidence, and reduced travel spending.

“These tariffs harm not only Canadian businesses but also American consumers and companies that rely on seamless trade with Canada. History has proven that protectionist policies do not strengthen economies; they weaken them,” wrote ACTA, which is calling on Ottawa to support travel professionals ahead of economic turbulence.

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