Policy Brief : Tariffs to Address the Situation at the Northern Border

Abstract

This is a comprehensive policy brief detailing information relating to Executive Order 14193 and its possible alternatives. EO 14193 was signed by President Donald J. Trump in February 2025, the order imposed tariffs on Canadian imports under the IEEPA to address fentanyl trafficking through the Canadian border. This paper evaluates the order's economic, legal, and diplomatic implications within the broader context of modern U.S. trade strategy. Using official data from the Census Bureau, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Congressional Research Service, the analysis finds that EO 14193 disrupted bilateral trade flows, and triggered reciprocal Canadian tariffs, with minimal measurable effect on narcotics interdiction.

The findings highlight the unprecedented application of emergency economic powers to a public health issue, setting a concerning precedent for executive overreach in trade governance. This paper recommends replacing tariff-based enforcement with cooperative cross-border strategies.