Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  1. Home
  2. Trade
  3. CBP Trade News Snapshot
  4. Trade News Snapshot - Volume 6, Issue 6

Trade News Snapshot - Volume 6, Issue 6

  • EAC's Message

    Official Photo of AnnMarie Highsmith. Woman with short hair, wearing dark glasses posing in front of an American flag wearing a black suit

    I've said it many times before, and I'll say it again: partnerships are key to the work we do at CBP. As summer kicks off, the CBP team is embracing this mantra, actively sharing information about our efforts with various members of the trade community, including brokers, students, business owners, and partner government agencies, at numerous engagements.

    In June, I seized the opportunity to strengthen longstanding partnerships and foster new ones. Most notably, I joined the U.S. delegation to the World Customs Organization in Brussels, where I met with leaders from a wide range of customs administrations to exchange insights and best practices. By working together, we not only enhance our effectiveness but also form a united front, which is crucial as we face the challenges of the modern trade environment.

    You can read more about my trip and CBP's other June activities below.

    ~ Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith

I. Office of Trade Activity

CBP leads U.S. delegation to the World Customs Organization in Brussels

A large number of officials from various customs organizations stand for a group photo
CBP officials meet with leaders from several customs administrations at World Customs Organization in Brussels.

From June 22-30, CBP officials traveled to Brussels, Belgium, as part of a U.S. delegation to the World Customs Organization. The delegation, which included CBP Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner Troy A. Miller and Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) AnnMarie R. Highsmith, met with leaders from several customs administrations to discuss key issues, including challenges in the small package environment, efforts to counter synthetic drugs, and green customs. The delegation identified various opportunities to collaborate with foreign customs administrations to maximize the effectiveness of CBP’s trade facilitation and enforcement efforts.

CBP and HSI verify compliance of textile factories in Nicaragua

From June 17-28, a joint CBP and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Textile Production Verification Team conducted official visits at textile factories in Nicaragua. The team reviewed documentation and toured facilities to verify production, origin, and compliance of goods with the terms of the U.S. – Dominican Republic – Central America Free Trade Agreement. Goods meeting the requirements are eligible for duty free treatment upon importation into the United States.

To date, teams have completed visits to over 100 factories with more visits to occur before the end of the fiscal year.

Read more about the U.S. government’s enhanced textile enforcement efforts in the Department of Homeland Security press release.

II. Outreach

EAC Highsmith participates in the Women in International Trade and Business Empowerment Symposium

On June 7, EAC Highsmith participated in the Women in International Trade and Business Empowerment Symposium in Chicago. The event, hosted by CBP and the Federal Executive Board, brought together hundreds of key players in the international trade community. EAC Highsmith delivered a keynote speech about her experiences as a woman in trade and the freedom women have to choose their own path and definition of success. She also spoke in a panel conversation with several international trade leaders on the risks and challenges associated with the modern trade environment and highlighted CBP’s efforts to address them, such as the 21st Century Customs Framework modernization initiative. The event provided a valuable opportunity to share insights and discuss opportunities with a diverse group of trade professionals.

Acting DEAC Brophy highlights partnership at Laredo Trade Day

On June 12, CBP Office of Trade Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner ((A)DEAC) Rose M. Brophy participated in Laredo Trade Day in Laredo, Texas. At the event, (A)DEAC Brophy engaged with customs brokers from the United States and Mexico, various carriers, and local students, highlighting the importance of partnership in CBP’s many trade facilitation and enforcement efforts.

She highlighted CBP’s small package data pilots, various modernization initiatives like the Global Business Identifier Test, the latest textile enforcement measures, and updates to customs broker continuing education requirements. (A)DEAC Brophy also showcased ways for the audience to get involved with CBP efforts, furthering agency and industry interests.

News You Can Use

Trade Statistics

Month Trade Statistics

In May 2024, CBP processed more than 2.9 million entry summaries valued at over $284.8 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $6.7 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. Trade via the ocean environment accounted for 41.6 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail. CBP identified 450 entries valued at more than $100 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor, and which may be subject to a Withhold Release Order, Forced Labor Finding, or the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s rebuttable presumption prohibiting importation into the United States.

CBP seized nearly 1,640 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $331 million. CBP also completed 46 audits that identified $20 million in duties and fees owed to the U.S. government for goods that had been improperly declared. CBP collected over $7 million of this identified revenue and from previous assignments.

Last Modified: Jul 31, 2024