On Wednesday, President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau agreed to restrict non-essential travel, closing off the world’s longest border. This effort will bring tourism to a halt but will limit economic damage by allowing essential workers and trade to flow across the border. By continuing to facilitate trade, leaders ensure that essential goods such as medicine and food will reach consumers.
In Northern California, Customs officials and private industry are working to expedite essential import containers, particularly those containing medical supplies and other emergency-related items. The group credits their success to the partnership between maritime professionals, U.S. Customs, and other federal officials. The group has emphasized the following priorities that should be adopted by other ports during this emergency:
- Customs should work to expedite clearances of containers with essential items such as medical supplies and sanitary products.
- The entire community including freight forwarders, truckers, and public officials should share information and cooperate.