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As we step into the new year, we do so with focus and purpose. In December, we engaged with our partners at home and abroad through the Colombian Federation of Logistics Agents in International Trade (FITAC) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, discussing the ways we are advancing trade facilitation and strengthening efforts to combat illegal practices in global supply chains.
January marks Human Trafficking Prevention month, and we will continue to prioritize forced labor enforcement and awareness. This past month, we issued one Finding and ramped up messaging to emphasize our steadfast commitment to ending these inhumane practices. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our partners toward these efforts in the new year.
~ Executive Assistant Commissioner AnnMarie R. Highsmith
Contents
- EAC's Message
- Office of Trade Activity
- Office of Trade issues Finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. for forced labor violations
- Office of Trade briefs NGOs on the current state of UFLPA enforcement at the UFLPA NGO Biannual Meeting
- Outreach
- EAC Highsmith meets with customs brokers in Barranquilla, Colombia
- Acting DEAC Brophy talks trade modernization with retail industry leaders
- Office of Trade and partners attend the COAC Public Meeting
- EAC Highsmith co-authors blog with U.S. Chamber of Commerce V.P. Tom Quaadman
- News You Can Use
- CBP at JFK seizes more than $320,000 of counterfeit cash
- CBP seizes over 34K pounds of sweetened condensed milk at the Pharr International Bridge
- Dulles agriculture specialists catch two dangerous insect pests of distinction – one first-in-port, one not seen in 40 years
- CBP, U.S. Chamber urge holiday shoppers to beware of counterfeits
- Trade Statistics
- Monthly Trade Statistics
Office of Trade Activity
Office of Trade issues Finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L. for forced labor violations
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a Finding against Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L., the first Chinese-owned entity in the Dominican Republic, based on information that reasonably indicates the use of forced labor in violation of 19 U.S.C. § 1307 in the production of that merchandise. Effective December 4, CBP personnel at all U.S. ports of entry began seizing aluminum extrusion and profile products manufactured by Kingtom Aluminio S.R.L., the first Chinese-owned entity in the Dominican Republic. Aluminum extrusions and profiles are used widely to build transportation and construction products, furniture, electronics, and more. To learn more, read the press release.
Office of Trade briefs NGOs on the current state of UFLPA enforcement at the UFLPA NGO Biannual Meeting
On December 5, OT briefed a group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the current state of Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) enforcement at the UFLPA NGO Biannual Meeting, hosted by the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force.
Outreach
EAC Highsmith meets with customs brokers in Barranquilla, Colombia
Office of Trade Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) AnnMarie R. Highsmith attended the FITAC International Congress in Barranquilla, Colombia, on December 3, where she participated in a panel discussion for global customs administrators for an audience of over 500 regional and international customs brokers. The discussion centered around customs administrators’ commitment to economic growth, trade facilitation, and the fight against illegal trade practices.
Acting DEAC Brophy talks trade modernization with retail industry leaders
On December 10, Office of Trade Acting Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner ((A)DEAC) Rose Brophy discussed trade modernization and collaboration with members of the Retail Industry Leaders Association at their Public Policy Forum. (A)DEAC Brophy provided updates on forced labor enforcement, de minimis, and more.
Office of Trade and partners attend the COAC Public Meeting
On December 11, representatives from the Office of Trade and CBP Office of Trade Relations, and partner government agencies attended the quarterly Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee meeting. The Secure Trade Lanes, Intelligent Enforcement, and Next Generation Facilitation subcommittees provided updates and recommendations.
EAC Highsmith co-authors blog with U.S. Chamber of Commerce V.P. Tom Quaadman
EAC Highsmith teamed up with U.S. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Tom Quaadman to publish a blog post educating consumers on the dangers of counterfeit goods and providing tips to avoid them when shopping online during the holiday season. Consumers can find tips to help them make savvier choices and avoid fakes and learn about the harms counterfeit goods can cause to consumer health and safety as well as the U.S. economy.
News You Can Use
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CBP at JFK seizes more than $320,000 of counterfeit cash
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CBP seizes over 34K pounds of sweetened condensed milk at the Pharr International Bridge
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Dulles agriculture specialists catch two dangerous insect pests of distinction – one first-in-port, one not seen in 40 years
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CBP, U.S. Chamber urge holiday shoppers to beware of counterfeits
Trade Statistics
Month Trade Statistics
In November 2024, CBP processed more than 2.8 million entry summaries valued $283 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $6.97 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. Trade via the ocean environment accounted for more than 41 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.
CBP identified 669 shipments valued at more than $15.5 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 1,532 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $164 million. CBP audits identified $10.5 million in duties and fees owed to the U.S. government for goods that had been improperly declared. CBP collected over $1.2 million of this identified revenue from previous assignments.