Trade & Export

SEC Exempts Foreign Companies' D&Os from Insider Reporting

The SEC has issued an order exempting directors and officers (D&Os) of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16(a) insider reporting requirements. This exemption, effective March 18, 2026, applies to D&Os in qualifying jurisdictions like Canada, the EU, and the UK, relieving them of the obligation to report initial ownership and subsequent transactions within two business days.

UK PSR Seeks Merchant Survey Views on Interchange Fees

The UK Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is seeking comments on a draft merchant survey questionnaire as part of its review of cross-border interchange fees. The survey aims to gather data on merchants' processing costs for online payments from the EEA to inform fee levels. The deadline for comments is March 5, 2026.

Social Policy Council Meeting Advisory

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for the upcoming Social Policy Council meeting on March 9, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programme, including discussions on gender equality, anti-racism strategies, child well-being, and the European Semester.

António Costa Keynote Speech at Hamburg Matthiae Mahl Event

European Council President António Costa delivered a keynote speech at the Matthiae Mahl event in Hamburg on March 6, 2026. The speech touched upon European history, the role of cities, the EU's commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and the current geopolitical situation, including the conflict in the Middle East.

Media Advisory: Eurogroup and Econ/Fin Council Meetings March 2026

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for upcoming Eurogroup and Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin) Council meetings scheduled for March 9-10, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programmes for these meetings, which will cover macroeconomic developments, fiscal plans, digital finance, and the economic impact of geopolitical events.

President's Weekly Schedule

The European Council has published the weekly schedule for President António Costa for March 9-11, 2026. The schedule includes a video conference with Middle East leaders, a speech at the Annual Ambassadors Conference, and an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan.

European Council President Costa to Visit Baku

The European Council announced that President Costa will visit Baku on March 11 for high-level meetings with Azerbaijani officials. Discussions will focus on energy cooperation and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, highlighting Azerbaijan's strategic importance to the EU.

EU Council Meetings: AI, Poverty, Human Capital, and Geopolitics

The EU Council has released a forward look detailing key topics for meetings between March 9-22, 2026. Discussions will cover AI's impact on jobs, poverty reduction, economic and financial affairs, foreign policy including Ukraine and the Middle East, energy, environmental standards, and the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

USITC Continues Investigations on Citric Acid from Canada and India

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to continue investigations into citric acid and certain citrate salts imported from Canada and India. The USITC found a reasonable indication that U.S. industries are materially injured by these imports, which are allegedly sold below fair value and subsidized by their governments.

US and Mexico Launch USMCA Joint Review Discussions

The United States and Mexico have initiated the joint review process for the USMCA. Discussions will focus on reducing regional dependence, strengthening rules of origin, and enhancing supply chain security. Negotiators are scheduled to hold their first meeting the week of March 16, 2026.