Washington, D.C. – Despite the Trump administration’s claims of waging a “drug war” against the influx of fentanyl from Canada and Mexico, the U.S. seized only a minimal amount of the deadly opioid at the northern border in January. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed that only 0.03 pounds of fentanyl were confiscated at the northern border during that month, a stark comparison to the significant amounts intercepted at the U.S. southwest border with Mexico.
Throughout fiscal year 2024, a mere 43 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the northern border, in sharp contrast to the staggering 21,148 pounds seized at the southern border. It is worth noting that the 43 pounds may have included drugs interdicted “between ports of entry,” as indicated on CBP’s website. A Globe and Mail investigation further identified that a substantial portion of the fentanyl found in northern states originated from Mexico.
President Trump emphasized the need for Mexico and Canada to take stronger measures in ceasing the flow of fentanyl and drugs into the U.S. during his address to a joint session of Congress. Meanwhile, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly criticized the tariffs imposed by the U.S., calling them “dumb” and accusing Trump of jeopardizing the Canadian economy with the intention of annexation.
In an attempt to address the escalating trade tensions, Trump and Trudeau were expected to engage in discussions following the imposition of tariffs. Mexico also anticipated talks with Trump, with President Claudia Sheinbaum disclosing plans for a conversation expected to take place on Thursday. Amidst the tariff disputes, Trump hinted at the possibility of excluding certain sectors from the imposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, including the auto industry, to align with USMCA content provisions.
The repercussions of the tariff disputes were evident in the U.S. stock market, with notable declines seen across major indexes. Although Trump acknowledged the potential disruption caused by the tariffs on trading partners, he remained steadfast in his belief that the tariffs were essential for revitalizing the American economy. Despite the growing tensions, there were hints of a compromise on the horizon, with the potential scaling back of tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.
As the trade disputes continued to escalate, Canada sought intervention from the World Trade Organization to address the unjustified tariffs imposed by the U.S. Meanwhile, Chinese officials adopted a combative stance against U.S. tariff escalation, emphasizing their readiness to engage in a prolonged battle if necessary. The Chinese government denounced the U.S. reasoning behind the tariffs, referring to it as a “flimsy excuse” and urging a return to dialogue and cooperation.