Tag: mexico

President Trump signs proclamation imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum

Exception to Mexico and Canada Tariffs for USMCA goods, etc

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Earlier this week, President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico which we wrote about. The tariff situation has now changed, again. In our effort to keep our clients up to speed on changes (which are happening at light speed), we are posting what we know about the changes here, without substantial analysis, other than to say, exceptions have been made for USCMA goods and potash, with details in the official (draft) notices linked below for each country:

Mexico:

Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14194, Imposing Duties to Address the Situation At Our Southern Border

 

Canada:

Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14193, Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border

Current only as of Last updated: March 6, 2025 at 22:14 pm

President Trump signs proclamation imposing tariffs on imported steel and aluminum

Trump imposes 25% on Canada and Mexico effective March 4

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Canada and Mexico, and America, wake up to new tariffs on March 4. The details are here for Canada (10% Energy, 25% all else):

Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Canada Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14193, Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border

The details are here for Mexico (25% on everything):

Implementation of Additional Duties on Products of Mexico Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order 14194, Imposing Duties to Address the Situation At Our Southern Border

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the impending Trump tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico and on steel, aluminum, and copper, and so much more. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

Today, I have implemented a 25% Tariff on Imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian Energy), and a 10% additional Tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl. We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.

President Trump increases tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Last updated: February 11, 2025 at 14:38 pm

UPDATE: China tariffs of 10% have been imposed (and de minimis is duty free for a limited time), however, Canada and Mexico tariffs have been paused until March 4, 2025. Links have been supplemented, but the text of this blog post will remain unchanged. Look for future updates in new posts/articles on the site.

The following post by President Trump increasing tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexcio speaks for itself (source):

Today, I have implemented a 25% Tariff on Imports from Mexico and Canada (10% on Canadian Energy), and a 10% additional Tariff on China. This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) because of the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl. We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it.

Everyone should have expected this. It has been telegraphed by Trump for about 10 years, when he began to make tariffs a signature proposal in his first run for the White House. His first term in office saw an unprecedented shift in the use of tariffs, using them on a broad scale, for the first time with China. As he said, if COVID didn’t happen, he would have done more.

With that in mind, before Trump’s second inauguration, we wrote on article on the potential Trump tariffs and some strategies.

Last week, we commented on the America First Trump’s America First Trade Policy Executive Order which appeared to give time until at least April 1 for tariffs to take effect. Then, this week we got a firmer signal that that he still planned to impose additional tariffs on February 1.

What happens next for the Trump Tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico?

The text of all the Executive Orders do not yet appear to be on Whitehouse.gov (but a fact sheet summary is), but linked below are reliable texts:

Each order applies the additional tariffs after “on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security as specified in the Federal Register notice.”

Stay Informed and Prepared:

The landscape of international trade is shifting rapidly with the impending Trump tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. Don’t be caught off guard.

Contact Great Lakes Customs for advice and assistance. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, we’re here to support you.

 

Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” Executive Order

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

President Trump has signed an executive order entitled “America First Trade Policy,” which requires various departments and the USTR to present him with a report on trade actions by April 1, 2025 (and April 30, 2025).

What is in Trump’s America First Trade Policy Executive Order?

The order makes mention of the following priorities for the Trump administration relative to customs, trade, and tariff issues:

  • Investigate and address the causes of large trade deficits, unfair trade practices, and economic security risks.
  • Explore the feasibility of establishing an External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and duties.
  • Assess and counteract currency manipulation by trading partners.
  • Review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and its impact on American workers and businesses.
  • Review and address trade practices and agreements with China, including intellectual property rights and tariffs.
  • Conduct a review of the U.S. industrial and manufacturing base to address national security threats.
  • Assess and improve export control systems to prevent the transfer of strategic goods to adversaries.
  • Address the impact of foreign government subsidies on U.S. federal procurement programs.
  • Assess and recommend measures to address unlawful migration and fentanyl flows from Canada, Mexico, and China.

Interestingly, the order directs the USTR to “consider potential additional tariff modifications as needed under section 2411 of title 19, United States Code [19 USC 2411] — particularly with respect to industrial supply chains and circumvention through third countries”.

What Does the Executive Order Tell us About Future Tariffs?

The take-away from this executive order should be the deadline of April 1 (and 30), 2025, as a potential starting point for aggressive tariff actions and/or threats as a means of increased leverage. Further, the order appears to suggest that additional duties on other countries (to which Chinese industry has moved manufacturing as a means of circumvention of the existing Section 301 duties) is on the table. In other words, countries which have benefited most of the shift from China, such as Vietnam.

Need help navigating the Trump Tariffs?

For 15 years, Great Lakes Customs Law has been a law firm for importers. We have helped hundreds of clients save money by avoiding and lowering tariffs. Contact us at our Michigan office at 734-855-4999 or call our Chicago office at 773-920-1840.

Note: This information is only current as of the date of publication.

$44,000 Smuggled Cash Seized by CBP at San Ysidro US Mexico Border

CBP San Ysidro discovers $44k in cash hidden in food bag

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

CBP in San Ysidro, California, seized a bundle of cash — literally – from a woman heading to Mexico. She was smuggling more than $44k in a plastic bag full of food. Here’s an excerpt from the tale (link):

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry intercepted the transportation of $44,148 in unreported currency hidden within a vehicle during an outbound examination last Wednesday.

On January 8, at approximately 12:30 p.m., CBP officers conducting outbound operations at the San Ysidro Port of Entry encountered a 27-year-old woman driving a 2024 sedan traveling southbound into Mexico from the United States. CBP officers referred the driver and the vehicle for a secondary examination.

CBP San Ysidro Seized This Bundle of $44000 in Cash from a Person going to Mexico
CBP officers discover more than $44k in unreported currency while conducting southbound inspections at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

In secondary, a CBP K-9 unit screened the vehicle and alerted officers to examine a white plastic bag containing food items. Upon further inspection of the white plastic bag, officers discovered a brown package that contained a total of $44,148 in unreported currency.

I’ve helped numerous people who have had money seized by CBP in San Ysidro. I’ve heard a variety of reasons for the reason my clients were carrying the money, including purchasing or selling real estate in Mexico, traveling for cosmetic or surgical procedures, or buy or selling vehicles. Among other reasons, those are the most prominent that spring to mind. None of those stories made the “news” like this one did. So what is different?

This case involves bulk cash smuggling — the intention hiding of cash that is coupled with a failure to report the cash. If the cash was reported, then it wouldn’t matter it was smuggled. Imagine the woman saying:

“Hey officer, just so you know, I’ve got $44,000 in this white bag with my Chinese take out order, and here is my FinCen 105 form.”

That would be what CBP would need to hear not seize the cash. But she didn’t, apparently, and that makes all the difference. CBP’s logic is: If the transportation of the cash was innocent, then why hide it? Very likely, this person was up to no-good with the cash and now has had it seized.

CBP then concludes the story with:

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in temporary or permanent seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.

Has CBP in San Ysidro seized your cash?

You need a customs lawyer if CBP in San Ysidro seized your cash. Read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and can contact us for a free money seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.

Clear bags filled with money seized by Texas CBP

Texas CBP seized $79K in hidden cash currency at Hidalgo Bridge

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

A failure to understanding customs regulations can result in the failure to declare cash when traveling into or out of the United States. The cash reporting laws include requirements to report more than $10,000,  and prohibitions against smuggling (hiding) the cash and structuring cash (dividing it with others so that no one has more than $10,000). In the story below, we look at a cash seizure by customs, highlighting the importance of compliance and the potential consequences of violations.

The story is quoted in full below, providing detailed insights into the events that transpired and the legal framework surrounding cash seizures by customs.

HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Hidalgo International Bridge this week seized more than $79,000 in unreported currency hidden within a vehicle during an outbound examination.

“Our frontline CBP officers utilized their training and experience along with technology in the outbound environment and prevented a significant amount of unreported currency from going south,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “These types of bulk cash seizures, often proceeds from illegal activity, deny transnational criminal organizations the ability to profit from their illicit enterprises and exemplify CBP’s ongoing commitment to our priority border security mission.”

The seizure occurred on Monday, Sept. 23 at the Hidalgo International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a southbound 2008 Honda driven by a 58-year-old male Mexican citizen for a secondary examination. Following a thorough examination that included use of a nonintrusive inspection system, CBP officers discovered five packages containing a total of $79,392 in unreported currency hidden within the vehicle.

CBP officers seized the currency. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.

Has Texas CBP seized your bulk cash?

Has Texas CBP seized your bulk cash? If so, we can help. Read our helpful customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.

Stacks containing $124,052 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry.

Texas CBP Seizes $124K cash at Eagle Pass

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Texas CBP officers seized $124,000 in Eagle Pass, Texas, on March 20, when a Mexican national traveled with $124,052, apparently hidden in his vehicle.

Although no details are given about how the money was hidden, it is probably a case of classic bulk cash smuggling (watch an explanation of bulk cash smuggling). Here’s CBP’s summary of the incident:

EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry recently seized over $124,000 in unreported currency hidden within a vehicle during an outbound examination.

“This seizure reflects the vigilant inspectional [sic] work of our frontline officers and their commitment to our border security mission,” said Port Director Pete Beattie, Eagle Pass Port of Entry. “Undeclared bulk cash seizures like these, often proceeds from illicit activity, have significant impact on those who fail to comply with federal currency reporting requirements, including transnational criminal organizations.”

The seizure occurred on Wednesday, March 20 at the Camino Real International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a southbound vehicle driven by a 48-year-old male Mexican citizen for secondary examination. After initial inspection, CBP officers conducted an intensive secondary examination and discovered a total of $124,052 in unreported currency concealed within the vehicle.

Has Texas CBP seized your bulk cash?

Has Texas CBP seized your bulk cash? If so, we can help. Read our helpful customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.

Stacks of money seized by CBP officers in Pharr, Texas.

Texas CBP seizes $85K in unreported and smuggled money; 1 arrested

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Another day, another customs money seizure. This one in particular happened to the U.S.-Mexico border in Pharr, Texas, and actually involved an arrest. CBP officers can arrest anyone for the not reporting, structuring, or smuggling cash, but most often, they do not.

The cash reporting requirement laws in Title 31 of the U.S. Code allow for CBP to choose whether to proceed as a civil matter or criminal matter. For the unlucky 19 year old fellow involved in the what seems to be a bulk cash smuggling offense, he was arrested.

There are no specifics on how the money was hidden within the vehicle, only that it was discovered by a non-intrusive examination. Here’s the story:

PHARR, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry this weekend seized $85,000 in unreported currency hidden within a vehicle during an outbound examination.

“Or officer continue to maintain strict vigilance and that dedication to duty, inspection skill and experience contributed to this significant outbound currency seizure,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “These types of seizures, often involving proceeds from illicit activity, have significant impact and reflect CBP’s ongoing commitment to our priority border security mission.”

Stacks containing $85,000 in unreported U.S. currency seized by CBP officers during an outbound examination at Pharr International Bridge.

The seizure occurred on Sunday, April 14 at the Pharr International Bridge when a CBP officer referred a southbound vehicle driven by a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen for a secondary examination. Following a thorough examination that included use of a nonintrusive inspection system, CBP officers discovered a total of $85,000 in unreported currency hidden within the vehicle.

CBP officers seized the currency. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.

Has Texas CBP seized your money?

If Texas CBP seized your money at Pharr, Hidalgo, Anzalduas, Laredo, or elsewhere, we urge you to call us for a consultation before considering doing it yourself. You probably will not be happy with the outcome if you do, based on their’ aggressive posture in most cases. Read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and can contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.

Bulk cash seized by CBP in Dulles airport

San Diego CBP Money Seizure of $20,155 (yawn)

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

CBP in San Diego has quite a few ports, including Calexico, Otay Mesa, Cross Border Xpress, San Ysidro, and Tecate. CBP seizes cash from Mexicans and Americans at each of them

In early 2024, CBP officers in San Diego seized $20,155 in currency from someone going into Mexico. This kind of money seizure in San Diego are common. I have had numerous clients over the years traveling to Mexico for cosmetic procedures, to purchase real estate, to buy or sell cars at auction, or many other personal or economic reasons, all with money. So in this case, the seizure of $20,155 in unreported currency by Customs is not a surprise, so much that it almost seems not worth mentioning compared to the other seizures discussed in the story, like 472 pounds of narcotics. Anyway, here is the story from CBP:

SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers within the San Diego Field Office worked tirelessly despite severe inclement weather over the weekend seizing $2.4 million worth of narcotics, a weapon and currency.

A combined total of 367 packages were discovered in vehicles over the weekend testing positive for the properties of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Officers extracted narcotics from various locations in vehicles such as the trunk, roof, firewall, air intake box, doors, floorboards, gas tanks, and quarter panels. The narcotics seized by CBP had a combined weight of 472 pounds with an estimated street value of $2,483,780.

Adding to the weekend busts, CBP officers at the San Ysidro port of entry discovered a 9mm handgun, one 33-round extended magazine, 30 9mm rounds of ammunition, and marijuana in a traveler’s purse.

The final incident occurred when CBP officers at the San Ysidro port of entry encountered a vehicle traveling into Mexico. During inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered unreported currency in the amount of $20,155.

Has San Diego CBP seized your money?

If San Diego CBP seized your money at Otay Mesa, Calexico, or elsewhere, we urge you to call us for a consultation before considering doing it yourself. You probably will not be happy with the outcome if you do, based on their’ aggressive posture in most cases. Read our trusted customs money seizure legal guide (or watch the videos) and can contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.

Stacks containing $125,306 in unreported U.S. currency seized by CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry.

CBP Laredo seizes $125K in smuggled cash

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Last month, CBP officers in Laredo seized $125,000 in bulk cash smuggled out of the USA into Mexico. The story highlights the consequences of failing to report currency amounts exceeding $10,000 and engaging in bulk cash smuggling, both civil and criminal offenses that can result in currency seizure criminal jeopardy.

Unless as person is involved in other illegal activity (i.e., drug crimes, money laundering, etc) then it’s unlikely the person will face criminal charges for simply carrying or hiding more than $10,000. Most of our (more than 630) clients over the past 14 years have never faced criminal prosecution for their currency reporting violations.

They do, however, usually face a difficult bureaucracy, confusing procedures, differing options, and arbitrary denials quite regularly. We specialize in navigating this complex terrain and providing assistance. But first, let’s delve into the details of this recent seizure publicized by CBP:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge recently seized over $125,000 in unreported currency hidden within a passenger vehicle during an outbound examination.

“It is important to acknowledge the efforts of our CBP officers who continue to maintain law and order,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.  “Currency seizures intercepted play a significant role in reinforcing border security and safeguarding communities from the threat of illicit activities.”

The seizure occurred on Monday, November 20 at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge when a CBP officer conducting outbound examinations selected a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 36-year-old male U.S. citizen for examination. After initial inspection, CBP officers conducted an intensive physical examination and discovered a total of $125,306 in unreported currency hidden within the vehicle.

CBP officers seized the currency. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.

Have you had cash seized by CBP in Laredo?

If you’ve had cash seized CBP in Laredo, you can learn more about the process from our trusted customs money seizure legal guide and can contact us for a free currency seizure consultation by clicking the contact buttons on this page.