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Last updated: February 14, 2026 at 10:04 AM

Trump Tariffs Create Record $3.5B Customs Bond Gap

📰 What Happened

Companies bringing goods into America now owe a record $3.5 billion in customs bond money. This happened because of President Trump's tariffs on imports. U.S. Customs found almost 27,500 companies did not have enough money set aside to pay their import taxes. This is twice as many problems as happened in 2019 during Trump's first term.

💡 Why It Matters

Companies must pay special insurance bonds to guarantee they can cover tariff costs. When they don't have enough money, they cannot get their products from the ports. This affects businesses that import goods and could lead to higher prices for shoppers. The government is collecting billions in extra payments to cover these shortfalls.

🔮 What Happens Next

Companies will need to find more money to cover their bond requirements or they cannot import goods. The bond shortage may continue as long as the tariffs stay in place.

📚 Sources

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