Trump says Canada tariffs would fight fentanyl trafficking, but little comes in across northern border, officials say

President Trump has said part of his motivation for imposing now-paused tariffs on Canada was to force the country to crack down on illicit fentanyl trafficking — but very little of the synthetic opioid enters the U.S. through its northern border. 

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the tariffs, announced Feb. 1 on Mexico, Canada and China, were "for the illegal fentanyl they have sourced and allowed to distribute into our country." Mr. Trump said in a statement that it was "because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl."   

The 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been paused for at least one month following negotiations, while a 10% tariff on China remains in place.