EO 14197: Progress on the Situation at Our Northern Border

Executive Orders

TLDR

This executive order delays US tariffs on Canadian imports until March 4, 2025, maintaining pressure while allowing time for Canada to implement new border security measures addressing drug trafficking. Tariffs can be reimposed if Canada fails to meet security commitments.

This executive order delays the implementation of tariffs on Canadian imports until March 4, 2025, following diplomatic progress between the US and Canada on border security and drug trafficking issues.

Tariff pause:

  • The 25% general tariff and 10% energy resource tariff on Canadian imports are delayed from February 4 to March 4, 2025
  • Previous exemptions for goods in transit are withdrawn

Background and justification:

  • Cites IEEPA authority based on “unusual and extraordinary threat” from drug trafficking organizations and criminals at Canada’s border
  • Acknowledges Canada has taken initial steps to address the crisis, including:
    • Deployment of 10,000 frontline personnel for border security
    • Appointment of a “fentanyl czar”
    • Creation of a joint US-Canada strike force
    • $1.3 billion security enhancement plan

Assessment period:

  • Department of Homeland Security will continue monitoring the situation in consultation with State Department, DOJ, and National Security officials
  • Tariffs may be implemented immediately if:
    • The illegal migration and drug crises worsen
    • Canada fails to take sufficient remedial steps

This pause represents a de-escalation of trade tensions, though the threat of tariffs remains. The order maintains pressure on Canada while providing time to implement recently negotiated security measures. The novel use of IEEPA for tariffs remains legally untested and controversial.

ACTIONS

  • 2025-03-21: U.S. blocks Canadian access to iconic Stanstead border-straddling library, local officials say | CBC News — The U.S. government has closed the main Canadian access to the Stanstead, Quebec library, an iconic building that straddles both borders, ending over 100 years of open access without going through official customs. The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, built in 1904 and declared a heritage site on both sides of the border, has long been considered a symbol of harmony between Canada and the U.S., but this unilateral decision has prompted local officials to call a news conference to formally respond to what they describe as undermining "the spirit of cross-border collaboration.
  • 2025-02-03: Trump to pause promised tariffs for 30 days after speaking with Trudeau | CBC News — U.S. President Donald Trump paused planned 25% tariffs on Canadian goods for 30 days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to enhancing border security measures, including appointing a fentanyl czar and designating Mexican cartels as terrorists under Canadian law. The temporary ceasefire in the trade dispute came after Trudeau promised to implement a $1.3 billion border security plan with 10,000 front-line personnel and establish a joint strike force to combat organized crime, while Trump indicated he’s still seeking a “final economic deal” with Canada.

REFERENCES

  • 2025-03-21: Cross-border trips to the U.S. reach COVID lows with nearly 500,000 fewer travellers in February | CBC News — Cross-border trips from Canada to the U.S. have declined significantly, with nearly 500,000 fewer travelers in February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, reaching levels not seen since the COVID-19 era. This steep drop coincides with President Trump’s trade war and rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state, prompting many Canadians to boycott travel to the U.S. as a response to tariffs and political tensions.
  • 2025-03-16: Canada or America? Touring N.S. folk duo questioned by state troopers | PNI Atlantic News — Nova Scotia folk duo Cassie and Maggie MacDonald were questioned by state troopers while touring in the US, where they were asked which country they preferred between Canada and America. The incident highlights growing tensions amid President Trump’s tariff war, accusations of Canada being a source of fentanyl, and comments about making Canada the 51st state.
  • 2025-03-12: Alexis Eagles - BRING JASMINE HOME — A Canadian woman named Jasmine was detained by ICE after her consulting visa was denied at the San Ysidro border crossing. She was held at Otay Mesa Detention Center before being transferred to San Luis Detention Center in Arizona, where conditions are reportedly poor. Her family has limited communication with her and is working with the Canadian Consulate and a lawyer to secure her release.
  • 2025-03-04: Trudeau says Trump wants ‘total collapse’ of Canada’s economy — President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, citing national security concerns related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The tariffs include 25% duties on most Canadian and Mexican goods, with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy products, and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
  • 2025-03-04: Ontario to impose 25% tariff on power to 3 US states | Financial Post — Ontario will impose a 25% tariff on power exported to 1.5 million homes in Minnesota, Michigan and New York in response to U.S. tariffs, as announced by Premier Doug Ford. The province has also banned U.S. companies from government contracts and ended its deal with Starlink.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the UnitedStates of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50U.S.C. 1701_et seq_.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50U.S.C. 1601_et seq_.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section301 oftitle3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.

Background.

On February 1, 2025, I determined that the failure of Canada to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. To address that threat, I invoked my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA to impose ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of Canada.

Sec. 2.

Immediate Steps.

Pursuant to section 3 of my Executive Order of February 1, 2025, titled “Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Northern Border” (“the Executive Order of February 1, 2025”), I have determined that the Government of Canada has taken immediate steps designed to alleviate the illegal migration and illicit drug crisis through cooperative actions. Further time is needed, however, to assess whether these steps constitute sufficient action to alleviate the crisis and resolve the unusual and extraordinary threat beyond our northern border.

Sec. 3.

Pause.

(a) In recognition of the steps taken by the Government of Canada, and in order to assess whether the threat described in section 1 of this order has abated, the additional 25 percent ad valorem rates of duty, and 10 percent ad valorem rates of duty as to energy products, shall be paused and will not take effect until March 4, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. eastern time. Accordingly, section 2(a), section 2(b), section 2(e), and section 2(f) of the Executive Order of February 1, 2025, are amended by striking the term “February 4, 2025,” where it appears in those sections and inserting in lieu thereof the term “March 4, 2025.” The exceptions set forth in section 2(a) and section 2(b) of the Executive Order of February 1, 2025, related to covered goods loaded onto a vessel at a port of entry or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States are, hereby, withdrawn.

(b) During this pause, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security shall continue to assess the situation at our northern border, as provided in section 3 of the Executive Order of February 1, 2025.

© If the illegal migration and illicit drug crises worsen, and if the Government of Canada fails to take sufficient steps to alleviate these crises, the President shall take necessary steps to address the situation, including by immediate implementation of the tariffs described in the Executive Order of February 1, 2025.

Sec. 4.

Severability.

If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 5.

General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

© This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

THE WHITE HOUSE, February 3, 2025.