Canada and Mexico are expected to intensify efforts this week to avoid punishing 25% tariffs on their exports to the U.S. in talks to persuade President Donald Trump's administration that their steps to increase border security and curb fentanyl trafficking are working ahead of a March 4 deadline.

Shortly after taking office, Trump announced duties of up to 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports, citing illegal immigration and the flow of deadly fentanyl.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly responded in part to the U.S. president's claims by saying the U.S. is a "net exporter" of illegal fentanyl, guns and migrants to Canada.