Trade & Sanctions

US Sanctions Nicaraguan Officials for Repression

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on five senior Nicaraguan officials for their roles in the repression of the Nicaraguan people. These actions are taken under Executive Orders 13851 and 14088, targeting individuals involved in human rights abuses and consolidation of power by the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship.

CBP Uncovers Over $400 Million in Duty Evasion

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced two major trade enforcement actions under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA), uncovering over $400 million in unpaid trade duties. The largest case involved 23 U.S. importers and identified over $250 million in owed revenue from goods transshipped through third countries.

CBP Trade Fraud Probe: Two Arrested, $13.6M Gold Seized

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of $13.6 million in gold as part of a trade fraud investigation. The probe identified an estimated $86.47 million in evaded duties through a scheme involving misrepresenting gold jewelry shipments.

CBP Collects $1 Billion in Duties After Ending De Minimis Loophole

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced it has collected over $1 billion in duties on low-cost shipments since phasing out the de minimis loophole starting in May 2025. This action strengthens economic and national security by increasing oversight and preventing duty-free entry for goods from China and Hong Kong.

CBP Issues Withhold Release Order on Linglong International for Forced Labor

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against automobile tires manufactured by Linglong International Europe D.O.O. Zrenjanin in Serbia. This action, effective immediately, will detain all such tires at U.S. ports of entry due to evidence of forced labor in their production.

CBP Modifies Withhold Release Order on FGV Holdings Berhad

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has modified a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against FGV Holdings Berhad of Malaysia, allowing its palm oil and palm oil products to enter the U.S. effective January 15, 2026. This modification follows FGV's remediation of forced labor practices in its production processes.

Antidumping Duty Investigation: Unwrought Palladium from Russia

The U.S. Department of Commerce has made a preliminary affirmative determination in the antidumping duty investigation of unwrought palladium from Russia. A weighted-average dumping margin of 132.83% was found for the Russia-wide entity. The final determination is expected around April 28, 2026.

Silicon Metal Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations Final Determinations

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced final affirmative determinations in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations for silicon metal from Angola, Laos, and Thailand. The determinations establish weighted-average dumping margins and subsidy rates, impacting imports of silicon metal from these countries.

Preliminary CVD Investigations of Solar Cells from India, Indonesia, and Laos

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced preliminary affirmative determinations in countervailing duty investigations of solar cells from India, Indonesia, and Laos. Preliminary subsidy rates range from 80.67% to 143.30%. The final determination is scheduled for July 6, 2026.

Hardwood Plywood from China, Indonesia, Vietnam - Preliminary AD Determination

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced preliminary affirmative determinations in antidumping duty investigations of hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Estimated weighted-average dumping margins range from 3.94% to 187.27% for China, 3.94% to 84.94% for Indonesia, and 196.14% for Vietnam.