Under the leadership of President Trump, enforcement of cross-border cargo regulations has significantly increased, causing delays and financial burdens for shippers and acting as a deterrent to trade, industry experts report.
As the U.S. erects tariffs along its northern border, industry insiders note a surge in freight screenings and penalties, reflecting a stricter customs approach in the protectionist climate of the United States.
“There has been a substantial shift,” stated Breanna Leininger, who oversees U.S. operations at Pacific Customs Brokers in Vancouver.
The volume of documentation demanded by border officials for shipped goods has multiplied tenfold compared to previous years, according to Leininger.
“The frequency of customs delving deeper into our shipments has significantly increased. Whereas a few years ago we encountered only a handful of such instances quarterly, now we face several instances daily,” explained Leininger, who manages 5,000 customers engaged in cross-border shipping.
To meet compliance standards for product classifications and trade pacts, importers are increasingly required to furnish extensive documentation, including labor and manufacturing records, with the level of proof and tariffed items seemingly fluctuating monthly.
“The expectations are constantly evolving. The information sought is consistently changing,” Leininger remarked.
Data supports the narrative of stringent enforcement.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, audits are projected to increase by 26% this year compared to 2024.
An audit involves scrutinizing an importer’s records to verify compliance with tariff classifications, customs valuations, and adherence to free-trade agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
In the first half of this year, U.S. customs authorities collected $70.6 million US in trade penalties by late July, marking a 169% increase from the entire year of 2024.
This six-month total also represents a 53% rise from the entirety of 2025.
Intensifying Trade Dispute
The heightened enforcement coincides with an escalating trade conflict between Canada and the U.S., characterized by recent rounds of tariffs imposed by both nations.
The delays at the border and the increased effort needed to source product records contribute to higher costs and, in some instances, discourage cross-border trade.
“It significantly raises costs. Putting goods in a warehouse can add up to thousands of dollars,” noted Alan Dewar, the executive vice-president at GHY, a customs brokerage in Winnipeg.