Background
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA in July 2020, is a trilateral free trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Agreement includes a six-year review mechanism to determine whether it should be extended for another 16-year term. On July 1, 2026, the three governments met to conduct the review.
Topics: Canada, United States, USMCA, Customs, Trade Compliance, Mexico
This week, we’ve received the same question from many clients: “I heard CUSMA wasn’t renewed. What does this mean for my business?”
The good news is that CUSMA has not expired, nor has it been terminated.
Topics: Canada, USMCA, Customs, Trade Compliance, CUSMA
Re-Introduction to ‘CAPE’—What is it and what does it mean?
The Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system (CAPE) was established within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to process refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). These tariffs were deemed unlawful by the U.S. Supreme Court in February of 2026, meaning that eligible parties are able to apply for reimbursement.
Topics: ACE, United States, Customs, Trade Compliance, Tariffs, CBP, Managed Trade Services, IEEPA, CAPE
In international trade, outcomes are shaped not only by the movement of goods, but also by the data behind them. This dynamic is evident in President Trump’s recent Executive Order (E.O.) on Strengthening Customs Enforcement which points to a systemic shift in the U.S. import compliance environment. While much of the initial commentary has centered on the stricter treatment of foreign importers of record (IORs), including restrictions on informal entries, tighter conditions for formal entries, and limits on the use of continuous bonds, that is only part of this broader structural reset.
Topics: Asia, United States, Customs, Trade Compliance, Tariffs, CBP, Managed Trade Services, Importer of Record (IOR)
On June 3, 2026, the White House issued a sweeping Executive Order titled “Strengthening Customs Enforcement,” directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to implement significant reforms that will materially reshape importer obligations, enforcement standards, and supply chain transparency requirements. While the changes will roll out over the coming months, and the specifics are unknown, the direction is clear: heightened scrutiny, stricter eligibility standards, and reduced flexibility in enforcement outcomes.
Topics: United States, Trade Compliance, CBP, Import Compliance, Importer of Record (IOR), Executive Order
