Tighter CBP Cargo Holds Push Demurrage Bills as High as $45,000 per Shipment

Summary

U.S. importers and forwarders reported a sharp escalation in unexpected demurrage and storage costs in the week to August 1, 2026, as Customs and Border Protection intensified physical inspections of import containers following the June 3 executive order targeting importers with overseas headquarters. Shipments pulled for exam face delays of several days to several weeks, with hold and storage charges of $8,000 to $12,000 in some port markets and one reported case reaching $45,000 after an entire bill of lading was detained together. Trade groups are pressing the Federal Maritime Commission to rule that demurrage cannot accrue while cargo is immobilized by a government hold.