OFSI General Licence for Kazakh Oil Exports
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has issued a general licence exempting certain activities related to Kazakh oil exports from prohibitions under the Russia Regulations. This licence, effective March 19, 2026, applies to specific transactions involving PJSC Transneft and its subsidiaries, provided the oil is not Russian-owned and meets transit conditions.
USITC Maintains Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders on China Shelving/Racks
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined to maintain existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on kitchen appliance shelving and racks from China. This decision follows five-year sunset reviews, concluding that revoking the orders would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry.
ITC Five-Year Review of Forged Steel Fittings from India and South Korea
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated full five-year reviews to determine if revoking existing countervailing and antidumping duty orders on forged steel fittings from India and South Korea would likely lead to material injury. The ITC found responses from South Korean parties adequate and decided to conduct full reviews for both India and South Korea to ensure administrative efficiency.
ITC Expedited Five-Year Review Notice: Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice scheduling an expedited five-year review to determine if revoking the antidumping duty order on tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol from China would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of material injury. The review is based on an inadequate response from respondent interested parties.
Trade Advisory Committee Charter Renewal and Application Request Correction
The Office of the United States Trade Representative issued a correction to a previous notice regarding the renewal of trade advisory committee charters and the request for applications. The correction addresses a broken weblink in the original Federal Register document from March 12, 2026.
USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Manufacturing Overcapacity and Forced Labor
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched two new Section 301 investigations. One targets manufacturing overcapacity in 16 countries, and the other examines whether 60 trading partners enforce bans on imports produced with forced labor. These investigations follow the invalidation of previous tariffs and are expected to lead to new country-specific tariffs.
OFSI Updates UK Sanctions Enforcement Guidance and Penalties
The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published updated guidance and a consultation response detailing significant changes to its civil enforcement processes for financial sanctions. These updates introduce new procedural pathways, structured discount mechanisms, and aim to accelerate investigations and improve transparency.
Trade Investigations, Tariffs, and USMCA Review
The USTR initiated two Section 301 investigations into unfair trading practices by multiple countries, expected to lead to new tariffs replacing temporary levies. Separately, the USMCA review process began with initial discussions between the US and Mexico, while rising fuel prices and geopolitical events are impacting automotive supply chains and logistics costs.
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigations on Excess Capacity and Forced Labor
The USTR has initiated two Section 301 investigations targeting 16 countries for excess manufacturing capacity and 60 countries for alleged failures to address forced labor. These investigations follow the invalidation of previous IEEPA tariffs and aim to establish new, potentially long-term, tariff regimes under alternative trade authorities.
USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Tariffs and Forced Labor
The USTR has launched two Section 301 investigations examining the trade practices of 16 economies regarding excess manufacturing capacity and 60 economies regarding goods produced with forced labor. These investigations aim to potentially reestablish tariffs and address trade imbalances impacting U.S. commerce.
USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations into Excess Capacity and Forced Labor
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated two Section 301 investigations. The first examines excess manufacturing capacity in 16 economies, and the second investigates forced labor practices in 60 countries. These actions could lead to new tariffs impacting U.S. commerce.
Amended Venezuela General License 5V and FAQ 595 issued
Amended Venezuela General License 5V and FAQ 595 issued
Steel Fittings from India and South Korea: Five-Year Review Notice
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined to conduct full five-year reviews of the countervailing duty order on forged steel fittings from India and the antidumping duty orders on forged steel fittings from India and South Korea. These reviews will assess whether revoking these orders would likely lead to the continuation or recurrence of material injury.
USITC: Expedited Five-Year Review of Antidumping Duty Order on Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has scheduled an expedited five-year review to determine if revoking the antidumping duty order on tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol from China would likely lead to material injury. This notice follows the Commission's determination that a full review is not warranted.
Foreign-Trade Zone 183 Application for Subzone Dongjin Semichem Texas
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has published a notice regarding an application for a subzone status for Dongjin Semichem Texas, Inc. in Killeen, Texas. The application was formally docketed on March 17, 2026, and public comments are invited.
Commerce Initiates AD/CVD Investigations on Truck Bed Covers from China
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on truck bed covers from China. Alleged dumping margins range from 116.12% to 233.06%, with subsidy rates above de minimis. The U.S. International Trade Commission is expected to issue its preliminary determination around April 13, 2026.
MARAD: Comment Period for Foreign Vessel Use Notice
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is providing a notice regarding the use of foreign vessels. The public comment period for this notice is currently open and will close in 29 days. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback through the Regulations.gov portal.
MARAD Foreign Vessel Use Notice Public Comment
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a notice regarding the use of foreign vessels. The comment period has 29 days remaining, and interested parties are encouraged to submit their feedback through the Regulations.gov portal.
Comment on foreign vessel use in US coastwise trade
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is accepting public comments on the use of foreign vessels in US coastwise trade. This is an opportunity for interested parties to submit their views and feedback on the matter.
MARAD - Public Comment on Foreign Vessel Use in US Coastwise Trade
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is providing a platform for public comment regarding the use of foreign vessels in U.S. coastwise trade. Interested parties can submit comments through the Regulations.gov portal.
MARAD Foreign Vessel Use Notice Comment Period
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is providing a notice regarding the use of foreign vessels. A comment period is open for interested parties to submit feedback on this notice. The deadline for submitting comments is in 29 days.
MARAD Notice on Foreign Vessel Use in US Coastwise Trade
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a request for the coastwise use of a foreign-built vessel. The comment period closes on April 17, 2026. MARAD will determine if the proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
MARAD Notice of Determination Request for Coastwise Vessel Use
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a determination request regarding the coastwise use of a specific passenger vessel. The agency will assess if the proposed use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses using U.S.-built vessels.
MARAD Notice: Foreign-built Vessel Coastwise Trade Eligibility
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a request for a foreign-built vessel to engage in U.S. coastwise trade. The agency will determine if this use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
MARAD Notice on Foreign Vessel Use in Coastwise Trade
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking public comments on a request to allow a foreign-built or rebuilt vessel, carrying no more than twelve passengers, to engage in U.S. coastwise trade. MARAD will determine if this use would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses.
MARAD Notice on Foreign Vessel Use and Request for Comments
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a notice requesting public comments on a determination request regarding the coastwise use of certain passenger vessels. The agency seeks input to assess potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses.
Industry Trade Advisory Committees; Continuation and Application Request Correction
The Office of the United States Trade Representative issued a correction to a notice regarding the continuation and application request for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees. This notice corrects a previous publication in the Federal Register.
Louisiana Proposes Centralized Sales Tax Collection
Louisiana is considering two bills, HB620 and HB658, that would centralize sales tax collection at the state level. This change aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses, particularly remote sellers, by simplifying tax base determination and administration. The proposal requires a constitutional amendment.
Kansas Property Tax Reform Analysis: SCR 1616 and HB 2745
The Tax Foundation analyzes Kansas legislative proposals SCR 1616 and HB 2745, which aim to reform property taxes through assessment and levy limits. The analysis suggests SCR 1616's assessment limit could distort the real estate market, while HB 2745's levy limit is more neutral but has notable exemptions.
US, DRC, Rwanda Joint Statement on Washington Accords
The United States, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Rwanda issued a joint statement on March 18, 2026, outlining concrete steps to advance the Washington Accords. The statement details mutual commitments to de-escalate tensions, support sovereignty, disengage forces, and neutralize threats.
State Department Expands Visa Bonds to Combat Illegal Overstays
The State Department is expanding its visa bond program to include 12 additional countries, bringing the total to 50. Effective April 2, 2026, nationals from these countries will be required to post a $15,000 bond for B1/B2 visas to combat illegal overstays. This expansion aims to reduce overstay rates and save taxpayer dollars.
US Special Envoy Gor Travels to Sri Lanka and Maldives
The U.S. Department of State announced that Special Envoy Sergio Gor will travel to Sri Lanka and Maldives from March 19-24, 2026. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relationships, advance cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, and support shared commitments to regional security and stability.
Media Advisory: European Council Meeting March 19-20, 2026
The EU Council has issued a media advisory for the European Council meeting scheduled for March 19-20, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programme for the meeting, including sessions on foreign affairs, competitiveness, and the situation in Ukraine, and provides details for media access and accreditation.
António Costa Remarks on Economy and Quality Jobs
European Council President António Costa delivered remarks on the economy and quality jobs following a tripartite social summit. He highlighted upcoming EU leader decisions on strengthening European competitiveness, reducing dependencies, and ensuring fair working conditions.
Tripartite Social Summit Discusses Investment for Vibrant Economy
The EU Council held a Tripartite Social Summit discussing 'Investment for a vibrant European economy and quality jobs'. Leaders and social partners addressed closing investment gaps and reducing strategic dependencies, with a focus on economic competitiveness and job creation.
Canada Safeguard Investigation on Certain Vegetable Goods
Canada has initiated a safeguard investigation into imports of certain vegetable goods. Interested parties, including importers and exporters, have deadlines in April 2026 to participate and submit information, with a hearing scheduled for June 2026.
WTO Market Access Committee Improves Recording of Trade Concern Resolutions
The WTO's Committee on Market Access has adopted a decision to improve the recording of how trade concerns are resolved. This change introduces a new agenda item for reporting resolved trade concerns and a database to track their status. The Committee also communicated with the World Customs Organization regarding tariff classification for menstrual products.
EU Imposes 122.8% Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Phosphorous Acid
The European Commission has imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of 122.8% on imports of phosphorous acid from China. This action follows an investigation that found dumped imports were causing injury to EU industry. The measure aims to level the playing field for EU producers.