October 1st, 2025.
Overview
The U.S. Federal Government officially entered a shutdown following the September 30 funding deadline. While the shutdown affects multiple agencies, trade and tariff operations are expected to continue largely unchanged due to contingency plans in place.Key Updates
- Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR):
- USTR announced it will retain all 237 employees and continue operations using funds not tied to annual appropriations.
- The agency emphasized its role in advising the administration on ongoing trade negotiations, noting that any interruption would jeopardize U.S. economic and national security.
- Department of Commerce:
- The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), responsible for export controls, is retaining 336 of 445 staff. Active enforcement and Section 232 investigations will continue.
- The International Trade Administration (ITA) will face significant reductions, dropping from nearly 1,300 employees to just 60, which may affect administration of anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
- DHS confirmed that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will continue tariff revenue collection during the shutdown.
- About 14,000 of DHS’s 272,000 employees will be furloughed. CBP and ICE will maintain most economic and security functions.
Impacts on Trade
- Tariff Collection & Enforcement: Will continue without interruption.
- Export Controls: BIS enforcement and investigations remain active.
- Trade Remedies: Possible delays at ITA in anti-dumping/countervailing duty administration.
- Customs Operations: CBP remains operational, continuing clearance and revenue collection.