Trade & Sanctions

EU Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act with "Made in EU" Requirements

The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to bolster the EU's industrial base and boost demand for EU-manufactured products. The act introduces "Made in EU" requirements across strategic sectors, aiming to reduce dependencies and increase manufacturing's share of EU GDP.

FAR Council Proposes Rule Restricting Covered Semiconductor Products

The FAR Council has proposed a rule to implement Section 5949 of the FY 2023 NDAA, restricting federal agencies from procuring products or services containing certain covered semiconductor products from designated entities. The proposal includes requirements for contractor inquiry, certification, and potential reporting.

Proposed Rule on Section 5949 NDAA Chip Supply Chain Ban

The FAR Council has issued a proposed rule to implement Section 5949 of the NDAA, clarifying prohibitions on certain Chinese semiconductor products and services in federal procurements. The rule aims to enhance supply chain security for government contractors and applies broadly to all federal acquisitions.

Canada Eases Syria Sanctions on Imports, Exports, Investments, Services

The Government of Canada has eased significant sanctions against Syria, removing restrictions on imports, exports, investments, and financial services. Twenty-four entities and one individual were delisted, including major financial institutions, to facilitate economic recovery and investment.

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.

Yukos Enforcement: ICSID vs. New York Convention Award Approaches in England

The English Commercial Court, in Hulley Enterprises Ltd & Ors v. The Russian Federation, granted enforcement of ICSID awards but declined to enforce costs and interest-on-costs components of New York Convention awards related to the Yukos arbitrations. This decision highlights differing judicial gatekeeping approaches for ICSID and New York Convention awards in England.

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.

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.

Supreme Court Ruling on IEEPA Tariffs Impacts Duty Refund Process

The Supreme Court has ruled against the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for enacting tariffs. While the ruling entitles importers to refunds, a specific process is still being developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Court of International Trade (CIT). CBP is working on an ACE functionality to streamline refunds, with a target deployment in 45 days.

Podcast: UK vs. U.S. Investment Screening Regimes

Wiley Rein LLP published a podcast discussing the differences between the UK's investment screening regime under the National Security and Investment Act and the U.S. CFIUS program. The podcast features insights on evolving national security concerns and practical advice for businesses involved in cross-border investments.