U.S. importers confront record customs bond shortfalls nearing £2.8 billion in fiscal 2025, sparked by President Donald Trump’s tariff escalation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded 27,479 bond deficiencies last year—the highest ever—with a total value close to $3.6 billion, over twice the 2019 peak from Trump’s Section 301 tariffs.
“Bonds are the primary tool used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to safeguard the revenue of the United States and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations,” a spokesperson said. Bonds flag as insufficient when duties exceed 100 per cent of their limit.
This comes amid soaring tariff revenues of $30 billion in January 2026 and $124 billion year-to-date, a 304 per cent rise. Surety bonds, issued 30 days pre-shipment and held interest-free for 314 days, now range from $50,000 to $450 million as duties climb 10 to 25 per cent or higher, with premiums at one per cent of the bond tied to prior-year payments.
“In totality, it makes sense that insufficiencies are more than double,” said Jennifer Diaz of Diaz Trade Law. “Many companies take it for granted that a $50,000 bond should be able to cover you for a one-year period. But it might not. They are not utilizing set calculations, and don’t have anyone in their corner telling them that their bond obligation is higher.”
Deficient bonds delay shipments at ports for 10 days or more, requiring extra collateral. “If companies do not increase their collateral, the goods will be stopped at the port,” said Vincent Moy of Marsh Risk. “In one unusual case, a large auto manufacturing client saw its custom bond amount increase by 550%.”
The Supreme Court may rule by 20 February 2026 on Trump’s tariff legality, potentially freeing refunds—but with audit delays ahead.