The bilateral relationship between the United States and Canada continues to be one of the world’s most expansive and multifaceted, anchored by shared borders, mutual security, economic ties and collaborative global efforts. The U.S. and Canada share the longest international border in the world—stretching 5,525 miles—with more than 120 land ports of entry. This enduring partnership encompasses a range of vital areas, from trade and security to climate action and public health.

A Strong Economic Partnership

At the heart of U.S.-Canada relations is a robust economic bond. With nearly $2.6 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily, the U.S. and Canada enjoy the world’s largest and most integrated trading relationship. Canada is the U.S.’s largest export market, supporting millions of jobs across both countries. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which entered into force in 2020, further deepened these ties by modernizing trade protocols, improving worker protections, bolstering agricultural trade and expanding digital commerce. Canada is also a major energy partner, supplying the U.S. with the majority of its energy imports, including oil, natural gas and electricity, through an interconnected grid.

The U.S. and Canada are not just partners in commerce—they are allies in promoting the security and resilience of their shared supply chains. Both nations have collaborated on initiatives to strengthen the supply of critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, essential for clean energy technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. As part of the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, they are jointly accelerating efforts to ensure secure, sustainable and resilient supply chains in critical sectors.

Joint Efforts to Combat the Pandemic and Build a Better Future

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of U.S.-Canada cooperation in global health and economic recovery. Both countries worked closely together to combat the pandemic through vaccine distribution and support for global vaccination efforts via COVAX, the global vaccine alliance. Beyond pandemic response, the U.S. and Canada have committed to building a more inclusive economic recovery that addresses the needs of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and Indigenous peoples.

Through collaborative efforts, both nations have pursued strategies aimed at accelerating recovery for small and medium-sized enterprises and reinforcing economic ties. With a focus on digital trade, labor standards and environmental protection, the two countries aim to create a more sustainable and equitable future for their citizens.

Security and Defense: A Shared Commitment

U.S.-Canada security and defense cooperation is unparalleled. Both countries are key members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and jointly maintain the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the world’s only binational military command. This strategic partnership ensures the defense of North America against air threats and promotes military cooperation to address modern security challenges. In recent years, efforts have intensified to modernize NORAD to meet emerging threats, including cyber and space-based threats.

The partnership also extends to border security, with extensive collaboration between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canadian law enforcement agencies. Programs like NEXUS, which allows trusted travelers to expedite border crossings, and joint efforts to combat transnational crime—including human trafficking, cybercrime and terrorism—demonstrate the strength of U.S.-Canada law enforcement collaboration.

Global Cooperation on Climate Change and Energy Transition

In an era of climate crisis, the U.S. and Canada have committed to taking bold action. The Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to addressing climate change through the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The two countries are collaborating on a range of initiatives to reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience and promote clean energy innovation. Canada is a key player in supplying the U.S. with renewable energy, particularly through hydroelectric power, while both countries are working to accelerate the adoption of clean technologies and energy storage solutions.

Both nations are also stepping up efforts to manage and preserve Arctic resources as climate change has heightened the challenges facing the region. This includes protecting the calving grounds of the Porcupine caribou herd, which crosses the U.S.-Canada border and holds cultural significance for Indigenous communities.

Tackling the Opioid Crisis Together

The opioid crisis continues to devastate communities across North America. The U.S. and Canada have partnered in combating the trafficking of opioids and addressing the health consequences of addiction. Through a joint action plan initiated in January 2020, both countries have enhanced border security measures and law enforcement collaboration to prevent the flow of illicit substances. This initiative is part of broader efforts within the G7 and the North American Drug Dialogue to combat drug-related issues on a regional scale.

Cultural and Educational Exchanges Strengthen Ties

Educational and cultural exchanges have long been a cornerstone of U.S.-Canada relations. The Fulbright Program facilitates cross-border academic research, while the Youth Ambassadors Program fosters leadership among young people. The U.S. and Canada also collaborate in various international educational initiatives, promoting student mobility and the sharing of knowledge and experiences across borders. In the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 25,000 Canadian students studied in the U.S., while 15,000 American students studied in Canada, highlighting the deep educational ties between the two countries.

A Shared Global Vision

The U.S. and Canada coordinate closely on the global stage, working together in organizations such as the United Nations, NATO and the World Trade Organization (WTO) to promote peace, democracy and international cooperation. Both nations share similar approaches to international challenges, such as addressing China’s unfair economic practices, human rights abuses, and national security threats, while also collaborating on areas like climate change and global health.

In the Arctic, as two of the eight Arctic states, the U.S. and Canada are focused on sustainable development and climate action. Their collaboration extends to the Arctic Council, where they work to address environmental and geopolitical challenges in this rapidly changing region.

Conclusion: A Partnership Built to Last

From trade and security to environmental protection and global governance, the U.S.-Canada relationship remains one of the most enduring and productive in the world. The commitment outlined in the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership sets a clear path for continued collaboration, with both countries focused on tackling shared challenges, improving the lives of their citizens and strengthening their global leadership. As North America faces the complex issues of the 21st century, the partnership between the United States and Canada will remain a vital force for peace, prosperity and progress