New York Times Finds Sharp Decline in Declared Values of Chinese Imports

The New York Times reported (opens in a new tab) that the average declared value of a 20-foot container arriving from China fell nearly 40% between January 2025 and February 2026. The investigation raises serious questions about undervaluation and false customs declarations, although differences in product mix mean the decline alone cannot establish fraud.

The vulnerability is longstanding. As our Enforcement Unraveled history explains, customs valuation shifted toward the price declared in the underlying commercial transaction, with verification relying heavily on importer documentation and later review. That design makes checking invoices and related-party prices critical.

The danger is immediate for lawful competitors: false low values reduce duties at the border, allowing prices that honest importers cannot match. CBP needs to verify disputed declarations, not simply record them.