OFAC Designations and Removals - Counter Terrorism, North Korea, Narcotics
The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List with new designations related to counter-terrorism, North Korea, and narcotics. These updates include adding individuals involved in facilitating North Korea sanctions evasion and disrupting illicit networks.
USTR Section 301 Investigations into Excess Capacity
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess capacity and production in 16 economies. The USTR is seeking public comments on these investigations, with a deadline of April 15, 2026.
USITC: China active anode material imports do not retard US industry
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that imports of active anode material from China, previously found by Commerce to be sold at less than fair value and subsidized, have not materially retarded the establishment of a U.S. industry. As a result, antidumping and countervailing duty orders will not be issued.
USITC Continues Antidumping Orders on PET Film from China, India, Taiwan, UAE
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined to continue existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, sheet, and strip from China, India, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. This decision means these trade remedy measures will remain in place, affecting imports of the specified product.
UK Imposes Anti-Dumping Measure on Chinese Tin Mill Imports
The UK Government has accepted the Trade Remedies Authority's recommendation to impose new anti-dumping measures on imports of tin mill products from China. Duties of 27.85% and 49.98% will be applied to protect the UK's tin mill industry from injury caused by dumped imports.
TRA Investigation on US HVO Biodiesel - Negative Determination
The UK's Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has completed its investigation into US HVO biodiesel and proposes a final negative determination, meaning no countervailing measure will be imposed. The TRA concluded that the Blenders Tax Credit subsidy programme no longer offers subsidisation to US exporters.
Commerce Final AD/CVD Determinations for Steel Fencing from China
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced final affirmative determinations in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations for temporary steel fencing from China. This action imposes duties on imports found to be unfairly priced or subsidized, impacting importers and exporters.
Export Licence Update for Typhoon Project
The Export Control Joint Unit has updated the open general export licence (OGEL) for military goods related to the collaborative Typhoon project. Turkey has been added as a permitted destination for exports under this licence.
OFAC Sanctions Risks and Cartel Designations
OFAC has settled a $1.7 million case with IMG Academy for sanctions violations related to cartel-linked entities. This highlights increased compliance risks for entities with international touchpoints due to heightened cartel designations and sanctions enforcement.
EU Maritime and Ports Strategies Adopted
The European Commission adopted the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and EU Ports Strategy on March 4, 2026. These initiatives aim to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the EU's maritime ecosystem, covering shipbuilding, shipping, port infrastructure, and maritime technologies. They signal both business opportunities and increased regulatory scrutiny for maritime and infrastructure investors.
Litigation Challenges Legality of Section 122 Duties
Twenty-four states and two private companies have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of Section 122 duties imposed on February 20, 2026. The complaints argue that the President lacks the authority to impose these duties, citing violations of separation of powers and nondelegation doctrines.
Ocean Carriers Add Fuel Surcharges Due to Middle East Disruptions
Major ocean carriers are implementing Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) due to Middle East disruptions and increased routing costs. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) requires carriers to provide 30 days' notice for such surcharges, making enforceability dependent on proper filing and effective dates.
CIT and CBP Outline IEEPA Tariffs Recovery Process
The Court of International Trade (CIT) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are outlining a process for importers to recover unlawful IEEPA tariffs. This guidance suggests importers may not need to file protests on all entries immediately, potentially reducing recovery costs. Importers are advised to update their ACE accounts and prepare for potential protest filings.
Trump Administration Establishes $20B Reinsurance Facility for Persian Gulf Shipping
The Trump administration has established a $20 billion reinsurance facility through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support private insurers providing coverage for maritime shipping in the Persian Gulf. This initiative aims to reduce war risk premiums and ensure the free flow of energy commodities.
EC Consultation on Private Equity Exit Obstacles
The European Commission has launched a consultation seeking feedback on obstacles faced by private equity investors when exiting investments in EU private companies. The consultation aims to improve access to finance for EU start-ups and scale-ups and will inform potential future regulatory or policy actions.
Germany Updates Product Liability Law
Germany's Bundestag has begun reviewing a draft act to modernize its Product Liability Act, transposing an EU directive. The reform aims to update the law for digital products, AI, and global supply chains, with an expected entry into force by December 9, 2026.
Treasury Roadmap for Countering Illicit Finance in Digital Assets
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a report to Congress outlining innovative technologies to counter illicit finance involving digital assets, as required by the GENIUS Act. The report assesses risks and proposes a technology and policy roadmap, while recommending Congress enact legislation to clarify rules for digital asset service providers and traditional financial institutions.
FATF Report on Stablecoin and Unhosted Wallet Risks
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has released a report detailing risks associated with stablecoins and unhosted wallets for money laundering and terrorist financing. It provides recommendations and good practices for jurisdictions and the private sector to mitigate these risks.
UK Sanctions Update: Russia and Belarus
The UK government has amended its sanctions list under the Russia regime, with one entity remaining subject to an asset freeze and another being removed. Additionally, new guidance on licences for Belarus trade sanctions has been published, and an overview of 2025 Russia sanctions highlights potential future legislation targeting sanctions evasion.
ESMA Final Draft RTS on Margin Transparency and Clearing Costs
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published final draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on margin transparency requirements and clearing costs under EMIR 3. These drafts aim to improve transparency for clearing participants regarding margin calls and clearing fees.
Global Antitrust Fines Rose to $7.7B in 2025
Global antitrust fines reached $7.7 billion in 2025, the highest since 2021, driven by a few major cases, while the total number of infringement decisions fell. Enforcement is increasingly shaped by geopolitical and national security priorities, with a focus on sectors impacting the cost of living.
Global Cartel Fines Surge to $3.3 Billion in 2025
Global cartel fines reached $3.3 billion in 2025, the highest total since 2021, driven primarily by enforcement actions in the European Union. The report highlights significant increases in fines from the European Commission and EU member states, while the US saw its lowest fine total in recent memory.
Vertical Conduct Violation Fines Dropped Six-Fold in 2025
A report indicates that fines for vertical conduct violations globally dropped six-fold in 2025 compared to 2024, with the number of infringement decisions halved. Despite this overall decrease, the European Commission remained the most active enforcer, focusing on the consumer and retail sectors, and resale price maintenance continued to be a key area of scrutiny.
EBA Final Guidelines on Third-Country Branch Capital Endowment
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published final guidelines on instruments that third-country branches can use to meet their capital endowment requirements under CRD IV. These guidelines clarify which debt securities and other instruments are acceptable and set operational conditions for their use.
UK Sanctions Nearly 300 Russian Entities
The UK has announced its largest sanctions package against Russia, designating nearly 300 entities involved in critical energy revenues, military supply chains, and financial institutions. These measures aim to disrupt Russia's war effort and access to international markets.
India: INTERPOL Issues Silver Notice for Fugitive Economic Offender
India's Enforcement Directorate requested INTERPOL to issue a Silver Notice for Karan A. Chanana, chairman of Amira Pure Foods, in connection with an alleged Rs 1,200 crore bank loan fraud. The notice aims to trace and freeze assets acquired through criminal proceeds.
Canadian Sanctions Laws Overview
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP has published an overview of Canada's complex sanctions laws, effective March 2026. The guidance details how these laws impact Canadian businesses and foreign states, outlining prohibitions, reporting obligations, and asset blocking requirements for entities operating in or with Canada.
Press Briefing for Foreign Affairs Council
The Council of the EU announced a press briefing for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on March 16, 2026. The briefing will be held on March 13, 2026, and is 'off the record'. Journalists must register by March 13, 2026, at 14:00.
EU Council President Costa and Azerbaijan President Aliyev Meet
European Council President António Costa met with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to discuss deepening political dialogue and practical cooperation. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a new comprehensive bilateral agreement and highlighted Azerbaijan's role in energy security and regional connectivity.
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.
Eurogroup President Reports on Euro Area Economy to Euro Summit
The President of the Eurogroup has submitted a report to the President of the Euro Summit detailing the state of the euro area economy and upcoming work priorities. The report covers topics such as international cooperation, the strengthening of the euro's international role, and the acceleration of the savings and investments union.
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.
Eurogroup President Visits Netherlands for Economic Talks
Eurogroup President Kyriakos Pierrakakis visited the Netherlands on March 11, 2026, to discuss macroeconomic conditions and Eurogroup priorities with national authorities, including digital finance and the Savings and Investments Union. Meetings were held with the Dutch Minister of Finance and the President of the Dutch Central Bank.