The Trump Administration is committed to a re-defined objective of fair trade.  This will have a significant impact on all businesses, across all operational functions.  This is not surprising — for years, the United States has pushed global trade as an objective unto itself.  The Trump Administration is raising important questions concerning the benefits to U.S. consumers and workers.

As part of this new international trade framework, the Trump Administration has identified the Customs and Border Patrol as a critical player in the enforcement of U.S. trade laws.  CPB has a broad mandate to ensure compliance with trade laws, detect and prevent violations and protect national security.  In this respect, CPB can impose regulatory penalties for violation, seize goods and take legal actions against individuals and companies.  In serious cases,  CPB will refer investigations for civil or criminal prosecution.  On top of these trade enforcement obligations, CPB plays a critical role in prosecuting forced labor and intellectual property rights.