Trade & Export

EU Council Agrees Negotiating Position on Fisheries and Aquaculture Statistics Framework

The Council of the EU has agreed on a negotiating position for a new regulation on fisheries and aquaculture statistics. This framework aims to modernise data collection, replace five existing regulations, and improve the use of digital technologies. Negotiations with the European Parliament are expected to begin later in 2026.

EU Council President Remarks on Azerbaijan Meeting

European Council President António Costa made press remarks following a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on March 11, 2026. The remarks highlighted strengthened cooperation in security, energy, digital, and transport, and expressed EU solidarity with Azerbaijan amidst regional geopolitical challenges.

Commerce Preliminary Antidumping Duty Findings on Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced preliminary affirmative antidumping duty findings on steel concrete reinforcing bar from Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam. The preliminary dumping margins range from 34.20% to 121.97% for specific companies and entities. The final determination is expected around July 28, 2026.

Iran War Impacts Global Construction Supply Chains

This notice analyzes the global impact of the 2026 Iran War on construction supply chains. The conflict has disrupted critical shipping routes, leading to increased transportation and production costs, delays, and potential surcharges for materials like cement, steel, and aluminum. The analysis highlights the cascading effects on construction projects worldwide.

CIT Suspends IEEPA Duty Refund Order for CBP ACE Functionality

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) has suspended its order requiring immediate refunds of IEEPA duties. This suspension allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) time to develop new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality to process these refunds, estimated to be implemented in 45 days. Importers are advised to complete electronic refund setup and consider filing protests.

Section 122 Tariffs Challenged in U.S. Court of International Trade

24 states have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging the Section 122 tariffs imposed by President Trump on February 20, 2026. The states argue the conditions for invoking Section 122 were not met and the tariffs exceed the statute's scope. This case is expected to be expedited.

Court Orders Removal of IEEPA Tariffs on U.S. Imports

The U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered the government to remove International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on U.S. imports, following a Supreme Court decision. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicated it could begin issuing refunds within 45 days, though importers are advised to monitor liquidation entries and file protests.

Court of International Trade Pauses IEEPA Refunds

The U.S. Court of International Trade has paused the immediate refund of duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) while leaving the underlying obligation to refund intact. This decision acknowledges practical limitations faced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in processing an estimated $166 billion in refunds for over 330,000 importers.

DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force Revisits FDCA Charges

The DOJ's Trade Fraud Task Force, established six months ago, has announced its leading prosecutorial partner, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. This move signals an increased focus on enforcing the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) in trade fraud cases, building on past successful prosecutions involving honey import schemes.

CNIPA Stops Notifying Local Agents for Madrid Designations

The Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has ceased notifying local Chinese trademark agents for international trademarks designating China via the Madrid System. CNIPA now only serves the WIPO-recorded representative or the trademark holder directly, requiring proactive monitoring by rights holders and their representatives to avoid missing response deadlines.