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Impact of the 2025 Government Shutdown on U.S. Imports and Exports
The 2025 federal government shutdown is already casting uncertainty over the agencies that keep trade moving. While some core operations will remain intact, importers and exporters should brace for delays, reduced communication, and the suspension of certain regulatory functions.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep ports of entry staffed since nearly all frontline officers are deemed essential. Cargo will still move, but importers may find it harder to reach their usual points of contact, particularly in back-office and support roles. CBP has nearly 68,000 employees, and while more than 63,000 will remain on duty, ancillary functions such as legal counsel, employee relations, and training center operations will scale back significantly. These adjustments could ripple into routine administrative processes.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which oversees export controls on dual-use goods, expects nearly 70 percent of its workforce to remain in place thanks to alternative funding and essential status. Enforcement activity will continue, but response times for licensing questions may slow. Similarly, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) will operate at a reduced capacity, meaning defense exporters should anticipate delays in license approvals and retransfer requests.
For consumer goods, the picture is mixed. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will furlough its port investigators, effectively suspending shipment targeting. This could result in certain products being released without inspection unless CBP or another partner agency intervenes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will limit its work to functions that directly protect human life. While critical drug and device reviews funded by user fees may continue, new application filings and many routine compliance activities will halt until funding is restored.
Other agencies face similar slowdowns. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will continue select compliance checks supported by fees but will pause most enforcement and regulatory functions. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will shut down its filing systems entirely, and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will maintain inspections funded by user fees but suspend license issuance. Meanwhile, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will keep updating sanctions lists and administering national security policies, ensuring trade restrictions remain enforced.
At the borders, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspectors are considered essential, though past shutdowns have seen higher absenteeism, which may translate to travel and cargo screening delays. In agriculture, the USDA will keep most food safety inspectors in place, though they will be working without pay. Daily administrative and support functions, however, will be sharply curtailed.
What This Means for Importers
In short, while essential trade flows will continue, the shutdown creates a patchwork of reduced services, suspended regulatory oversight, and slower processing times across agencies. Importers and exporters should plan for disruptions and maintain close communication with their logistics and compliance partners to minimize the operational impact.
At Allyn International, we are committed to supporting the global trade community with strategic, forward-thinking solutions to help navigate today’s complex tariff landscape. Whether you have questions about tariffs, trade agreements, or would like to explore strategies to reduce their impact on your business operations, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation at sales@allynintl.com, call 239-489-9900, or reach out here.