Canada and Mexico just pulled off a tricky trade move with President Trump, and they did it in completely different ways. Both countries managed to delay new U.S. tariffs for 30 days, but their approaches were night and day—and equally effective.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada went full-on tough negotiator. When Trump threatened tariffs back in November, Trudeau didn’t waste time. He flew to Mar-a-Lago for face-to-face talks, laying the groundwork for a deal. Fast forward to this week, and Trudeau’s strategy included a late-night emotional speech and a clear warning: If the U.S. imposed tariffs, Canada would retaliate immediately. It worked. The result? A last-minute agreement that keeps tariffs at bay for now.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum took a softer route. Instead of threats, she focused on quiet, behind-the-scenes negotiations. Her approach—offering cooperation on tightening border security to curb drug and migrant flows—paid off early. Mexico secured the same 30-day tariff pause, but without the public drama.

The common thread? Both leaders gave Trump what he wanted: tougher measures to secure the U.S. border. And they walked away with something they could sell as a win back home.

What’s fascinating here isn’t just the outcome—it’s the styles. Trudeau’s bold, public moves versus Sheinbaum’s low-key diplomacy show how different leadership approaches can lead to the same goal.

So, while a North American trade war has been put on hold—for now—the story behind the deal is as much about strategy as it is about tariffs.