Enforcement of cross-border cargo regulations has significantly increased during the Trump administration, causing delays and financial burdens that dissuade trade, according to shipping industry representatives. As the U.S. implements more tariffs at the northern border, industry experts note a surge in freight inspections and fines, reflecting a stricter customs approach in a more protectionist America.
Breanna Leininger, managing U.S. operations at Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver, described the substantial transformation. She emphasized that customs officials now request ten times more documentation for shipped goods compared to previous years. The scrutiny on compliance with product classifications and trade pacts demands importers to provide extensive paperwork, including labor and manufacturing records that seem to evolve monthly.
Data supports the narrative of rigorous enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics reveal a projected 26% increase in audits this year compared to 2024. In the first half of the current year alone, customs authorities collected $70.6 million in trade penalties by late July, marking a 169% surge from the previous year.
Amid an escalating trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., the heightened enforcement measures create additional costs and operational challenges for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Alan Dewar, EVP at GHY, a Winnipeg-based customs brokerage, highlighted the financial strain caused by delays in sourcing product records and border disruptions.
Leininger noted that while some businesses adapt to the changing landscape, others find the regulatory environment too daunting to navigate. U.S. Customs and Border Protection emphasized that importers must provide accurate information to comply with regulations, as the agency adjusts its enforcement strategies based on risk and trade patterns.
