Canadian officials are engaging in discussions with White House border czar Tom Homan in an effort to avoid proposed tariffs on Canadian goods. The talks are centered around addressing issues related to immigration and fentanyl trafficking, as confirmed by sources familiar with the meeting.
A delegation of senior Canadian officials has been actively meeting with various administration officials in Washington to prevent the imposition of 25% tariffs on all Canadian goods, scheduled to take effect on February 1. Despite efforts to negotiate, the White House has maintained its stance on the tariff deadline, as reiterated by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the situation along the US northern border, despite a decrease in the number of crossings. In 2024, Canada exported $377 billion worth of goods to the United States, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately $55 billion. This surplus has been a point of contention for Trump, who views tariffs as a means to address what he perceives as an economic power imbalance.
If the tariffs are implemented on February 1, Canada's efforts to negotiate may intensify. Premiers from all Canadian provinces, led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, are planning to visit Washington on February 12 for a broader mission.
Notably, discussions regarding the tariffs have largely excluded Trump's economic advisers, as the president is currently seeking outcomes from Mexico and Canada beyond trade matters. While the North American trade pact is not up for renewal until July 2026, Trump is reportedly interested in renegotiating it sooner.
