This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that the U.S. and Canada have agreed to close borders to non-essential traffic, as coronavirus cases continue to emerge in both countries.
“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump tweeted. “Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!”
We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020
The latest decision follows a Monday announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in which he indicated Canada would close its borders to all non-citizens. At the time of his Monday announcement, Trudeau indicated some exceptions to the travel restrictions would exist for “for aircrews, diplomats, immediate family members of Canadian citizens, and at this time, United States citizens.”
Trump also recently implemented a 30 day travel ban from countries in Europe, as a measure to slow the potential spread of coronavirus. In his proclamation of the European travel ban, Trump indicated efforts would continue to facilitate cross-border commerce.
Hoping to get the payroll tax cut approved by both Republicans and Democrats, and please remember, very important for all countries & businesses to know that trade will in no way be affected by the 30-day restriction on travel from Europe. The restriction stops people not goods.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 12, 2020
In both the Europe travel ban and now with the U.S.-Canadian border, trade appears to remain intact.
