Trump's Shifting Tariffs Weaken US Customs Enforcement

2025-04-27
Trump's Shifting Tariffs Weaken US Customs Enforcement

President Trump's fluctuating tariff policies have overwhelmed US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), significantly hindering their efforts to combat forced labor. The agency's staff, responsible for both tariff enforcement and forced labor prevention, are stretched thin, leading to a dramatic decrease in the number of reviewed shipments suspected of forced labor ties. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs also incentivizes tariff evasion, further complicating enforcement. While the administration maintains that forced labor enforcement remains a priority, the reality is that the inconsistent policies have significantly weakened US enforcement capabilities.

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