President Donald Trump announced the U.S. is closing its northern border with Canada.
Trump said the move was made with Canada’s agreement.
On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau closed his nation's borders to all non-residents, but would remain open to U.S. nationals. Trudeau made the announcement from outside his Ottawa home, where he is in self-quarantine after his wife tested positive for the virus after a trip to London.
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Both Trump and Trudeau said their nations’ trade and commerce would not be affected.
Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also eager to continue their critical economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S. for 75% of its exports.
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Truck drivers and Canadian snowbirds, who live in the U.S. for part of the year and are returning to Canada, are among those expected to get an exemption. Completely closing the border would cause severe economic damage to both the U.S. and Canada as the two economies are integrated. Much of Canada’s food supply comes from or via the U.S., and and 98% of its oil exports go to the U.S.
About 18% of American exports go to Canada.
According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration is also considering a plan to turn back all people who cross the border illegally from Mexico. The plan is under consideration and no final decisions have been made, according to the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
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