President Donald Trump secured agreements from Canada and Mexico to strengthen border security and combat fentanyl trafficking after threatening to impose 25% tariffs on imported goods from both countries. The deals, reached just hours before the tariffs were set to take effect, resulted in a one-month delay on the president’s proposed trade restrictions.

Mexico committed to deploying 10,000 National Guard troops to its northern border to prevent drug trafficking. In 2024, over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl were seized at the U.S.-Mexico border, with officials noting this amount could potentially kill 4 billion people. Canada agreed to several measures, including appointing a fentanyl czar, designating drug cartels as terrorists and establishing a joint strike force with the U.S. to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also pledged $200 million for a new intelligence directive and highlighted an ongoing $1.3 billion border security plan.

While economists warned that the tariffs could trigger a trade war and increase inflation, Mr. Trump’s negotiating tactics appeared successful in securing commitments from both nations. The agreements align with his campaign promises to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, which contributed to 70% of the 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2023.

Read more: Tariffs paused after Canada, Mexico pledge border security boost

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