President-elect Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his recent declaration to levy a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, alongside similar threats aimed at China and Mexico. His criticism is rooted in concerns about immigration policies and drug smuggling, with Trump asserting that these issues at the Canadian border parallel those seen with Mexico.

Amidst this backdrop, data reveals a notable rise in illegal crossings from Canada to the United States, with U.S. Border Patrol making over 23,000 arrests in a year compared to just over 10,000 the previous year. Much of the increase is attributed to Indian nationals in Canada on temporary visas, raising questions about security along the northern border. Trump's focus on immigration continues to resonate with his political base, a theme he has emphasized since his initial presidential campaign in 2016.

In response to Trump's statements, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conveyed that he engaged in a productive dialogue with Trump, highlighting the importance of the strong bilateral connection between the two nations. Trump's remarks made on Truth Social included a detailed plan for tariffs, which he claims would remain until issues surrounding drugs and illegal immigration are adequately resolved.

Trade experts have expressed concern that implementing these tariffs would breach the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which Trump himself helped establish during his earlier presidency. Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc released a joint statement emphasizing the close trading relationship with the United States and reiterating Canada's commitment to border security measures aimed at curbing the flow of opioids. They also expressed willingness to collaborate with Trump's prospective administration on the raised issues.