Trade & Export

US Drafts AI Chip Export Controls

The US is reportedly drafting new export control regulations for AI chips, which would implement a tiered licensing system based on computing power. These draft rules aim to position the US as a gatekeeper for the global AI industry and could impose significant pre-clearance requirements for high-volume exports.

USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Imports

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 major trading partners to determine if they are effectively banning imports of goods produced with forced labor. The USTR is seeking public comment and will hold hearings on the matter.

USTR Probes 17 Countries for Excess Manufacturing Capacity

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 17 countries for structural excess manufacturing capacity and production. The probe aims to address potential unfair trade practices and could lead to the imposition of tariffs.

Commerce Final Results: Antidumping Duty on Pasta from Italy

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced final results for the antidumping duty administrative review of certain pasta from Italy for the period July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Final dumping margins range from 2.65% to 7.00% for specific producers, and 5.21% for non-selected companies.

International Trade Compliance Guidance

Braumiller Law Group has released guidance on "Hot Topics in International Trade," offering expertise on global trade compliance. The content appears to be informational, highlighting available consulting services and related video content.

SEC Grants Section 16(a) Exemption for Foreign Private Issuer Directors

The SEC has issued an exemptive order providing relief from Section 16(a) reporting requirements for directors and officers of foreign private issuers organized in specific jurisdictions, effective March 5, 2026. This exemption applies if the issuer is organized in a qualifying jurisdiction and subject to substantially similar regulations.

UK Pharma Legal Developments and Trade Deal Updates

This briefing from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer summarizes key UK legal developments in the pharmaceutical sector from 2025. It details a UK-US trade deal impacting pharmaceutical exports and discusses the UK Government's Life Sciences Sector Plan, which aims to enhance R&D, investment, and healthcare innovation.

EU to Provisionally Apply EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement Pending CJEU Opinion

The European Commission announced it will provisionally apply the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) despite the European Parliament's request for a Court of Justice of the EU opinion. This follows ratification by Argentina and Uruguay, with provisional application potentially starting in May 2026.

OFAC and BIS Guidance on Cuba Oil Exports

The U.S. OFAC and BIS have issued new guidance on oil-related transactions involving Cuba. OFAC announced a favorable licensing policy for specific resales of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, while BIS clarified the use of License Exception SCP for U.S.-origin petroleum exports. The guidance aims to support the Cuban people and private sector while restricting dealings with government entities.

SEC Exempts Foreign Private Issuers Directors Officers From Section 16 Reporting

The SEC issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers from Section 16(a) reporting obligations, effective March 5, 2026. This action provides relief to individuals in qualifying jurisdictions with substantially similar reporting requirements, as clarified by subsequent FAQs.