Washington, D.C., February 24, 2025 – Canada and Mexico are set to intensify efforts this week to demonstrate to the Trump administration that their enhanced border security measures are effectively curbing fentanyl trafficking and migrant flows.
The talks come ahead of a March 4 deadline after which President Trump may impose 25% tariffs on over $918 billion in U.S. imports from the two countries, spanning products from autos to energy.
According to trade lawyer Dan Ujczo, the negotiations—along with forthcoming reports from the Department of Homeland Security—will help determine whether the tariff suspension can be extended. “There’s progress being made on the security front,” Ujczo said, though he cautioned that it would be overly optimistic to expect the tariffs to be completely rescinded.
In recent months, both nations have bolstered their border security. Mexico has deployed up to 10,000 national guard troops along its northern border, while Canadian authorities have taken steps such as appointing a new fentanyl czar and reclassifying drug cartels as terrorist entities. In December, Canada also announced a C$1.3 billion increase in border security spending in response to the tariff threat.
British Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has maintained close contact with President Trump, discussing joint efforts to curb fentanyl flows and avert the imposition of tariffs. Trudeau has even threatened retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports valued at C$155 billion, including American beer, wine, and bourbon, though he stressed that Canada remains committed to “doing the work” to prevent any new tariff measures.
The tariff discussions follow Trump’s broader pattern of using tariff threats as leverage in trade negotiations. In addition to the pending border measures, the administration has raised tariffs on steel and aluminum to a flat 25% and signaled plans to target autos, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors, with potential reciprocal tariffs in response.
A significant challenge for U.S. border officials remains the “de minimis” loophole, which currently exempts low-value packages (under $800) from duty-free status. This exemption has allowed shipments containing fentanyl and its precursor chemicals from Canada, Mexico, and China to enter the United States with minimal scrutiny, complicating efforts to tighten border controls.
As the March 4 deadline approaches, the outcomes of this week’s talks will be critical for the highly integrated North American economy, with both Canada and Mexico working diligently to show that their enhanced border security and enforcement measures are making a measurable difference.
Boston, February 19, 2025 – In a powerful display of national pride and defiance, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used Canada’s recent win in the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey final as a platform to send a clear message to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Delta Air Lines is offering $30,000 to each passenger aboard Flight 4819, which crashed while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. All 80 passengers and crew members survived the incident, with no life-threatening injuries reported.
Canada is seeing a sharp drop in refugee claims as it tightens visa controls, limiting legal pathways for asylum-seekers. The government says the measures prevent abuse, but advocates warn they leave displaced people with few safe options.
Canada’s Liberal Party is set to elect a new leader on March 9, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. The winner will replace Trudeau as party leader and prime minister, potentially triggering an early national election.
Thirteen Canadian premiers visited Washington, D.C. on February 12 to meet with U.S. lawmakers, seeking to prevent President Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which threaten industries reliant on these materials.
Ukraine marked three years of war with Russia by hosting European leaders, while U.S. President Donald Trump's absence hinted at a shift towards Moscow. Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end soon and proposed major economic deals with Russia.
Israel has demolished large areas of the Jenin refugee camp, carving roads through its alleys as troops prepare for a long-term stay. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced amid the ongoing military operation in the northern West Bank.
Geneva, February 24, 2025 – A new analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer agency, forecasts a significant rise in both breast cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide by 2050.
Shanghai, February 24, 2025 – Tesla Inc. is preparing a software update for its Chinese customers that will enable advanced driving-assistance features similar to its full self-driving (FSD) capabilities available in the United States.
MEXICO CITY, February 24, 2025 – A sweeping foreign aid freeze ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump has stalled a United Nations program in Mexico aimed at stopping the flow of imported fentanyl precursors into the country’s drug cartels, according to several sources familiar with the matter.
A recent discovery has revealed that ancient artifacts from the Treasure of Villena were crafted using metal from meteorites, offering new insights into early metalworking techniques in the Iberian Peninsula.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Polish startup Clone Robotics has unveiled Protoclone, the world’s first anatomically accurate humanoid robot, featuring artificial muscles, bones, and joints that enable lifelike movements.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
A dialogue between US and Russian delegations has begun in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the development in an official statement.
Ukraine marked three years of war with Russia by hosting European leaders, while U.S. President Donald Trump's absence hinted at a shift towards Moscow. Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end soon and proposed major economic deals with Russia.
Geneva, February 24, 2025 – At a high-level meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, the Democratic Republic of Congo's prime minister stated that approximately 7,000 people have been killed in fighting in the eastern part of the country since January.
Britain will introduce sanctions soon against Rwanda over fighting in neighbouring Congo, a minister in the UK Foreign Office told Reuters on Monday.
Beijing, February 24, 2025 – A newly identified bat coronavirus, designated HKU5-CoV-2, has been found to enter human cells using the same cell-surface protein as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, according to a study published in the journal Cell.
Berlin, February 24, 2025 – Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, declared on Monday that he would work to ensure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can visit Germany without facing arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.
Ukraine marked three years of war with Russia by hosting European leaders, while U.S. President Donald Trump's absence hinted at a shift towards Moscow. Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end soon and proposed major economic deals with Russia.
Israel has demolished large areas of the Jenin refugee camp, carving roads through its alleys as troops prepare for a long-term stay. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced amid the ongoing military operation in the northern West Bank.
Geneva, February 24, 2025 – A new analysis by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer agency, forecasts a significant rise in both breast cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide by 2050.
Shanghai, February 24, 2025 – Tesla Inc. is preparing a software update for its Chinese customers that will enable advanced driving-assistance features similar to its full self-driving (FSD) capabilities available in the United States.
MEXICO CITY, February 24, 2025 – A sweeping foreign aid freeze ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump has stalled a United Nations program in Mexico aimed at stopping the flow of imported fentanyl precursors into the country’s drug cartels, according to several sources familiar with the matter.
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