Canada and Mexico Are Fighting Over Trump’s Tariff Threats
At a glance:
- President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico have strained relations between the two U.S. neighbors.
- Canadian officials distinguished their border issues from Mexico’s, leading to sharp criticism from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- Canada has pledged to enhance border security, while Mexico emphasizes human rights and rejects U.S. intervention in its anti-drug efforts.
President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats have sparked tensions between Canada and Mexico, exposing cracks in the decades-long North American alliance. Trump warned that a 25% tariff would be imposed unless both countries take stronger action on border security and stem the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States.
Canada’s response to the threats has drawn criticism from Mexico, with Canadian officials emphasizing the stark differences between their border challenges and those faced by Mexico. This has led to accusations of betrayal and a growing diplomatic rift.
Canada and Mexico Clash Over Border Comparisons
Following Trump’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman remarked that the northern border is “vastly different than the Mexican border,” a statement that drew sharp rebukes from Mexican officials.
“Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. She pointed out Canada’s own issues with fentanyl consumption and touted Mexico’s “cultural riches.”
Mexico feels particularly slighted, given its alleged advocacy for Canada during the 2018 renegotiations of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Canadian officials, however, have positioned themselves as closer allies to the U.S., particularly in opposing China’s influence in North America.
Canadian officials have highlighted efforts to bolster border security, including new investments in helicopters, drones, and law enforcement personnel. Canada has also implemented a policy to return migrants caught crossing illegally at its border to the U.S., a measure not mirrored by Mexico.
Differing Approaches to U.S. Demands
Sheinbaum, who recently assumed office as Mexico’s first female president, has taken a firm stance on protecting Mexico’s sovereignty. She reiterated Mexico’s commitment to intelligence-sharing in anti-drug efforts while rejecting direct U.S. intervention. “That is going to be maintained,” she said.
Mexico’s border issues, particularly with fentanyl smuggling and migration, dwarf those of Canada. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border last fiscal year, compared to 21,100 pounds at the southern border. Migrant encounters are similarly disproportionate, with over two million at the U.S.-Mexico border compared to just under 200,000 at the U.S.-Canada border.
In response to Trump’s tariff threats, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s immigration strategy, which focuses on checkpoints, patrols, and respecting human rights. She also highlighted a recent record fentanyl seizure valued at $400 million as evidence of Mexico’s commitment to combating the drug trade.
Economic Stakes and Diplomatic Strains
The U.S. maintains significant trade relationships with both Canada and Mexico, importing $430 billion in goods from Canada and $480 billion from Mexico annually. These trade flows support millions of jobs in all three countries.
Despite their shared reliance on U.S. trade, Canada and Mexico are diverging in their approaches to Trump’s tariff threats. Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticized the comparison of Canada’s border issues to Mexico’s, calling it “the most insulting thing” from the U.S. Ford and other Canadian leaders have also suggested pursuing separate bilateral trade deals with the U.S.
For Mexico, the perceived betrayal by Canada is a bitter pill to swallow. Oliver Santín Peña, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, described the diplomatic climate as “not a good time in the bilateral relationship.” He added that Sheinbaum’s firm response signals her commitment to defending Mexico’s interests without escalating tensions further.
As Trump prepares to take office, both Canada and Mexico are scrambling to secure their positions with the incoming administration. Trudeau has left the door open to reassessing Canada’s trade relationship with Mexico, while Sheinbaum has doubled down on Mexico’s sovereignty and respect as a trade partner.
The evolving dynamics between the three countries may shape the future of the USMCA and the broader North American alliance, with Trump’s policies continuing to test the strength of these relationships.
Trump promised he’d shake things up – and it’s happening already.