Gregory Husisian Assesses Government Shutdown Impact on International Trade

Foley & Lardner LLP partner Gregory Husisian described the federal government shutdown’s impact on international trade in the Logistics Management article, “Federal government shutdown clouds supply chain outlook.”

Husisian said the shutdown has had minimal consequences on tariffs, as negotiations and enforcement remain underway.

“Congress has largely abdicated its role in setting tariffs, which are just a particular type of tax,” he explained. “It is supposed to be with them, and Congress is not pushing back on President Trump.”

Husisian noted the administration’s trade team continues negotiating tariff rates with foreign partners, including looking for ways to expand on previously announced trade deals, and is advancing discussions on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. “As the shutdown extends, that could potentially impact the ability of public to opine and participate on that, because even if you file something and nobody is looking at it, then it’s unclear as to what’s going on,” he continued.

“But Customs is working pretty much normally,” Husisian added. “As far as I can see, goods are coming in and the ports are being cleared. CBP is proceeding with its investigations, so the business of Customs is not shut down, even though the government is shut down.”