Enforcement measures concerning cross-border cargo have significantly increased during the Trump administration, causing delays and financial burdens that act as a deterrent for trade, according to industry experts. As a protective tariff barrier emerges along the 49th parallel, professionals in the transportation sector observe a surge in freight inspections and penalties as part of a stricter customs approach in the United States.
Breanna Leininger, who oversees U.S. operations at Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver, described this shift as substantial, noting a tenfold rise in border officials’ requests for documentation on shipped goods compared to previous years. The scrutiny and depth of customs inspections have notably intensified, with instances of detailed examinations rising from a few per quarter to multiple daily occurrences, as stated by Leininger, who manages thousands of customers engaged in cross-border product shipments.
Importers are increasingly required to provide extensive documentation, including labor and manufacturing records, to demonstrate compliance with product classifications and trade agreements. The level of evidence requested and the types of tariffed items appear to evolve monthly, creating a dynamic compliance landscape, as noted by Leininger.
Official data supports these observations on rigorous enforcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics indicate a projected 26% increase in audits in the current year compared to 2024. These audits assess importers’ records for adherence to tariff classifications, customs valuations, and trade agreement terms like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
In the first half of the current year alone, U.S. customs authorities collected $70.6 million US in trade penalties by late July, marking a significant 169% surge from the entire 2024 period. This six-month total also reflects a 53% increase from the full year of 2025.
The heightened enforcement actions coincide with an escalating trade dispute between Canada and the U.S., resulting in new tariff impositions from both sides in recent weeks. The resulting border delays and prolonged documentation processes contribute to increased costs and may dissuade cross-border trade, according to Alan Dewar, executive vice president at GHY, a customs brokerage based in Winnipeg.
The additional expenses incurred due to delays and compliance requirements have a substantial impact on the industry, with some businesses finding the challenges overwhelming and potentially leading to cessation of cross-border operations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that their trade enforcement strategy is continuously reviewed and adjusted based on risk assessments, trade patterns, and legal obligations, emphasizing importers’ responsibility to provide accurate and comprehensive information.
Overall, the evolving enforcement landscape and trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. underscore the complexities and costs faced by businesses engaged in cross-border commerce.