Skyrocketing Tariff Evasion Reports Under the Trump Administration
Increase in Allegations of Tariff Avoidance by 160% during Trump's Administration
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has seen a whopping surge in allegations of possible tariff evasion, as per data shared with our site. From March to May 2025, the agency's e-Allegations tipline received a staggering 542 complaints, a nearly 160% jump compared to the same period in 2024. This rise can be traced back to President Donald Trump sudden imposition of new duties on more than 100 countries earlier in the year.
This trend isn't just a coincidence, but a direct response to the aggressive enforcement tactics by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the CBP itself. Under the Trump Administration, these agencies have stepped up their game, targeting trade and customs fraud, including tariff evasion, with renewed vigor.
Enforcement Tactics
- DOJ Prioritization: Customs and trade fraud has become a high-impact enforcement priority for the DOJ. This shift signifies a more proactive approach, switching from traditional administrative actions by the CBP to a focus on criminal prosecutions[1][2][4].
- False Claims Act (FCA) Use: The DOJ is employing the False Claims Act (FCA) to combat customs violations, ferociously pursuing fraudulent import practices[4]. Recent cases, such as the one involving Barco Uniforms Inc., demonstrate significant settlements for customs duty evasion[4].
- Whistleblower Programs: The DOJ has expanded whistleblower programs, offering incentives for reporting trade and customs fraud. This move further underscores the government's determination to tackle these issues[1][2][4].
It's essential to note that even though President Trump is no longer in office, these enforcement priorities continue under the current administration, signaling a broader commitment to addressing trade and customs fraud[4]. This aggressive approach is a direct response to the tariff evasion that has arisen due to the intricate trade policies introduced by the Trump Administration.
In a nutshell, while the exact increase in tariff evasion reports to CBP isn't disclosed, the heightened enforcement efforts by the DOJ and CBP reveal a significant focus on combating these practices, which are partly a reaction to the complexities brought about by tariff policies.
AI analysis indicates that the surge in tariff evasion reports could be linked to the intensified enforcement tactics in the finance, industry, politics, and general-news sectors. The Department of Justice's prioritization of customs and trade fraud, increased use of the False Claims Act, and expansion of whistleblower programs could amplify such reports, suggesting a need for further scrutiny in these areas.
