FCC Industry Analysis

ITC Strawberry Imports Ruling, OFAC License, USTR Investigation, FMC Rules

The FCC reported on an ITC ruling finding injury from Mexican strawberry imports and an OFAC general license authorizing certain transactions related to Russian oil. It also noted a USTR investigation and FMC rules concerning ocean carriers.

USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Import Enforcement

The USTR has initiated Section 301 investigations into 59 countries and the EU for failing to effectively prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor. These investigations could lead to the reimposition of tariffs.

FCC Draft Rules for AI Chip Export Controls

The FCC is reportedly drafting new export control regulations for AI chips, which would establish a tiered licensing framework based on computing power. These draft rules signal a significant shift in U.S. strategy for controlling advanced semiconductor technology.

USTR Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Imports

The USTR has launched Section 301 investigations into 60 major trading partners to determine if they are effectively banning imports of goods produced with forced labor. The investigations aim to assess whether these countries' policies and practices burden U.S. commerce.

OFAC Authorizes Venezuela Oil and Gas Trade via General Licenses

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC has issued several general licenses expanding authorizations for trade and investment in Venezuela's oil and gas sector. These licenses, issued starting in late January 2026, aim to provide opportunities for U.S. companies while outlining specific limitations and conditions.

Brazil Diesel Subsidy and Increased Oil Export Tax

Brazil has published Provisional Measure No. 1,340/2026, authorizing an economic subsidy for diesel oil sales and increasing export taxes on crude petroleum oils and diesel oil. The subsidy is R$0.32 per liter and is effective until December 31, 2026, while export taxes are set at 12% for crude oil and 50% for diesel oil.

Treasury, IRS Guidance on Prohibited Foreign Entity Rules

The Treasury Department and IRS released Notice 2026-15 providing initial guidance on Prohibited Foreign Entity (PFE) Rules. The notice clarifies how to calculate the material assistance cost ratio (MACR) for certain energy-related tax credits, determining if a taxpayer received material assistance from a PFE.

EU Commission Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act

The EU Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to strengthen the EU's manufacturing industry. The act aims to increase manufacturing's share of EU GDP to 20% by 2035 by introducing 'Made in EU' criteria in public procurement and public support schemes, and establishing scrutiny for large foreign investments in strategic sectors.

USTR Investigates 16 Economies for Manufacturing Overcapacity and Forced Labor

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into manufacturing overcapacity in 16 economies and the failure of 60 economies to enforce prohibitions on goods produced with forced labor. Written comments are due by April 15, 2026, with public hearings to follow.

Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Tariffs Invalid; Importers May Seek Refunds

The Supreme Court ruled that tariffs imposed under IEEPA are invalid, as the President lacks the authority to impose taxes. Importers who paid these tariffs may now seek refunds through various legal avenues, including actions in the Court of International Trade.