Ten Minute Interview: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)

Tariff volatility continues to create operational and financial pressure for U.S. importers. For many importers, the challenge is not just reacting to a new tariff announcement but identifying practical steps that can reduce tariff volatility exposure before the next trade action takes effect.

The Trump administration’s new tariff initiatives are reshaping the customs compliance landscape. Higher tariff rates and new customs requirements are increasing customs bond requirements, new executive actions are signaling a more aggressive enforcement posture, and importers face a growing likelihood of audits, investigations, and other enforcement activity. Together, these developments are creating what may be described as the new customs enforcement reality.

The landscape of tariff enforcement is intensifying, creating significant compliance, financial, and operational challenges for importers. We now proceed to analyze the impact of the new focus of the Department of Justice on tariff underpayments, which further increases the risk of importing.