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Trump: US, Canada to Close Border to Nonessential Travel

Associated Press

   TORONTO - The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their
   shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced
   Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus
   pandemic.

   Both countries are eager to choke off the spread of the virus but also
   maintain their vital economic relationship. Canada relies on the U.S.
   for 75% of its exports.

   Trump made the announcement on Twitter, saying the decision would not
   affect the flow of trade between the countries.

   "We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border
   with Canada to non-essential traffic," Trump tweeted.

     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) [1]March 18, 2020

   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., andand98% of
   its oil exports go to the U.S.

   About 18% of American exports go to Canada.

References

   1. https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1240271178692005889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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