As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. Government has shut down.
With respect to international trade, various departments have had to suspend non-critical functions.
Export licensing at the Bureau of Industry and Security, are paused or significantly reduced. Only “emergency license applications” are processed and reviewed.
Conversely, Section 232 investigations by the Department of Commerce and tariff collection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, continue uninterrupted. Investigations authorized under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, that is either in progress or commenced during the shutdown will continue as “necessary work to address the effect of imported articles on national security.
Commerce’s Trade and Enforcement Compliance Office, which oversees antidumping and countervailing (AD/CVD) duty litigation, will also cease regular options.
Customs and Border Protection offices will remain largely operational (managing the ports, collecting tariffs, and investigating trade violations).
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)’s services will be “significantly curtailed,” including Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) submissions for registrations, licenses, speaker requests, customer support, Advisory Opinions, and Commodity Jurisdiction determinations. Further, any requests pending as of September 30, 2025, will remain pending. Activities essential for U.S. national security will continue, which will probably include investigative and enforcement activities.
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), is expected no to process new and current license applications. Probably, OFAC will review certain emergency licenses that are considered necessary for U.S. national security. Further, OFAC will continue to administer the Specially Designated Nationals (“SDN)” list and enforce economic and trade sanctions.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has ceased regular operations. Hearings and other Commission meetings will be rescheduled once regular operations resume.
Federal courts would remain open through Oct. 17 despite the federal shutdown, the judiciary said on October 1st.