WASHINGTON — Canada, the United States, and Finland have made progress toward constructing new icebreakers, despite ongoing trade tensions. On Tuesday, Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Sakari Puisto, signed a joint statement of intent in Washington. This agreement aims to enhance industrial cooperation and strengthen the icebreaker fleets of the three nations.

The statement indicates that U.S. President Donald Trump continues to support the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, known as the ICE Pact, which was initially signed during President Joe Biden's administration. Noem emphasized that American shipyards will play a leading role in the construction of the new icebreakers, aligning with Trump’s broader initiative to boost U.S. manufacturing.

The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has faced challenges, particularly regarding trade. Trump has previously downplayed Canada’s involvement in icebreaker construction. In January, he expressed reluctance to partner with Canada on icebreaker purchases, citing concerns over the trade deficit. Trade negotiations between the two countries were halted in October after Trump criticized an Ontario-funded advertisement that referenced former President Ronald Reagan's views on tariffs.

Noem acknowledged that Canada has made significant strides in securing its border with the U.S. However, she did not clarify whether these efforts would be sufficient to alleviate Trump’s tariffs.

Construction on a new Canadian icebreaker, named Polar Max, began in Finland in August as part of the ICE Pact. The hull will be built at Helsinki Shipyard and then transported to Canada, where it is expected to be completed in Lévis, Quebec, by 2030.