The White House on Tuesday highlighted a sharp decline in border apprehensions as a sign of success in managing the northern border, though it offered no indication that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to lift tariffs currently affecting Canadian imports.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the administration’s border control efforts, stating that operational control is “becoming a reality.” She noted a 95 per cent drop in apprehensions in the Swanton Sector — a stretch of the border that includes parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire — with only 54 people apprehended last month, down significantly from March 2024. This sector has been a focal point for enforcement, accounting for the majority of northern border apprehensions in the last fiscal year.
Trump initially cited concerns over cross-border migration and fentanyl trafficking as justification for imposing steep tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, the Canadian government ramped up border security late last year, deploying drones and helicopters, increasing staffing, and appointing a dedicated official to address fentanyl trafficking. Canada also labeled Mexican cartels as terrorist entities and launched a joint strike force with the U.S. to address transnational crime.
Despite these measures, Trump went ahead with an executive order in March declaring an emergency at the northern border and imposing sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports. While some tariffs were later paused for goods that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), non-compliant imports continue to face a 25 per cent duty. Energy and potash products are subject to a lower 10 per cent levy.
The White House did not clarify whether Leavitt’s comments signal any change to the current emergency order or the broader tariff regime. Markets have remained volatile since Trump launched the latest wave of trade actions in early April, including reciprocal tariffs on major global trading partners and sweeping 145 per cent duties on Chinese imports. China responded with 125 per cent tariffs on U.S. goods.
Trump’s administration has sent mixed signals regarding the permanence of these tariffs. Some advisers suggest the measures are a long-term revenue strategy, while others describe them as leverage to negotiate better trade terms. On Tuesday, Leavitt confirmed the administration has received 18 trade deal proposals from other countries, though she did not say if these proposals would result in the suspension or elimination of tariffs.
Trump himself described the current situation as a “transition period,” suggesting negotiations could continue for several months. “It’s going to be a little while,” he said, adding that the U.S. remains in a strong position. “Ultimately, we have something they want.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who spoke with President Trump by phone last month, said the two leaders agreed to enter negotiations for a new economic and security framework after Canada’s upcoming federal election. While no formal details have been released, the discussions point to the potential for a broader reset in Canada-U.S. trade relations later this year.
