Section 301 Investigations on Manufacturing Overcapacity and Forced Labor
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated two Section 301 investigations into manufacturing overcapacity and forced labor practices in multiple countries. These investigations aim to address trade imbalances and potentially impose new tariffs, following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated previous tariff implementations under the IEEPA.
Guidance on Tariff Refund Claims for Suppliers and Importers
Following a Supreme Court decision limiting presidential tariff authority, only the Importer of Record can seek tariff refunds from CBP. Suppliers and downstream buyers must rely on contractual provisions to recover costs. Importers of Record have 180 days to file claims and should prepare for increased refund-sharing requests.
OFAC GL 52 Allows US Firms into Venezuela Energy Market
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued General License 52, authorizing established U.S. entities to engage in transactions with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) in the Venezuelan energy sector. This license allows U.S. companies to re-enter the market without specific OFAC licenses, provided they meet certain conditions.
UK Sanctions and Export Controls Update
The UK government has updated its sanctions lists and guidance. Amendments were made to the Russia sanctions list regarding Gulbakhor Ismailova and guidance on countering Russian sanctions evasion. Additionally, 22 entries on the Afghanistan sanctions list were amended. A notice regarding resolved transmission issues between export licensing systems and the Customs Declaration Service was also published.
USTR Launches 76 Section 301 Investigations
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has launched 76 new investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. These investigations will examine the trade practices of multiple foreign countries and could potentially lead to the imposition of tariffs or other trade restrictions on US commerce.
EU Economy and Finance Bluesky Account Launched
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union has launched a new shared Bluesky account for its economy and finance departments. This account will be used to share news, analyses, initiatives, and publications related to the EU economy, finance, budget, taxation, reforms, and investments.
State Department Statement on Namibia National Day
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement congratulating Namibia on its 36th Independence Day. The statement reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and Namibia, highlighting collaboration on health, economic development, and emerging opportunities.
OFAC Iran-Related General License U for Crude Oil Sales
OFAC has issued Iran-related General License U, authorizing the delivery and sale of crude oil and petroleum products of Iranian-origin loaded on vessels as of March 20, 2026. This license provides specific exceptions to sanctions for certain oil-related transactions.
US-Japan Trade Deal Announces New Energy Projects
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced new energy projects stemming from a U.S.-Japan trade deal. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration and investment in clean energy technologies between the two nations.
Commerce Preliminary Affirmative Determination on Pulp from Brazil
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary affirmative determination in the countervailing duty investigation of high purity dissolving pulp from Brazil. Preliminary subsidy rates were set at 3.67% for Bracell Bahia Specialty Cellulose S.A. and all other producers. The final determination is scheduled for August 4, 2026.
CBSA Preliminary Determinations: Truck Bodies from China
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made preliminary determinations on March 6, 2026, regarding the dumping and subsidizing of truck bodies originating in or exported from China. Provisional duties have been imposed on affected imports.
Deep Seabed Mining Licenses: Public Comment and Hearings Announced
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the receipt of applications for deep seabed mining exploration licenses. The agency is opening a public comment period and scheduling virtual public hearings to gather input on these applications.
Fisheries Data Assessment and Review Public Meeting Notice
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a public webinar for the SEDAR 101 assessment process. The webinar, scheduled for April 9, 2026, will cover preliminary data analysis and recommendations for upcoming fisheries data workshops.
North Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Announced
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a public meeting for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Scallop Plan Team. The virtual meeting will take place on April 6, 2026, and will cover fishery updates, stock status, and future planning.
Fisheries Commission Advisory Committee Meeting Announced
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a meeting of the Permanent Advisory Committee to advise U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. The meeting will be held via web conference on May 27, 2026.
Request for Comment on Satellite-Derived Bathymetry Addition
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is requesting public comment on a proposed addition of satellite-derived bathymetry to the standard ocean mapping protocol. This initiative aims to enhance ocean mapping capabilities and data standardization.
Foreign-Trade Zone 27 Application for Subzone - Methods Machine Tools
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board, part of the Department of Commerce, has published a notice regarding an application for a subzone designation for Methods Machine Tools, Inc. in Acton and Sudbury, Massachusetts. This notice pertains to the application process for establishing a foreign-trade zone subzone.
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Announced
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a public meeting for the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The meeting is scheduled to take place from April 7 through April 9, 2026. Further details regarding the agenda will be provided.
Electric Bicycles Trade Remedies Investigation
The European Commission has initiated a new export producer treatment review investigation concerning electric bicycles. This investigation, case NEPT20-08, was initiated on February 17, 2026, and will examine potential trade remedies related to electric bicycles.
Weekly Schedule of President António Costa
The European Council has published the weekly schedule for President António Costa for the period of March 23-29, 2026. The schedule includes various meetings with international leaders and public appearances in Portugal, France, and Belgium.
EU Statement on International Day for Racial Discrimination
The Council of the EU issued a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The statement reaffirms the EU's commitment to fighting racism through its Anti-Racism Action Plan and Strategy, and calls for the full implementation of international anti-discrimination conventions.
EU Council and European Council Forward Look
The EU Council has published its forward look for upcoming meetings between March 23 and April 5, 2026. Key events include the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) at the WTO Ministerial Conference and discussions on fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture.
WTO Global Trade Outlook and Statistics 2026
The WTO's Global Trade Outlook and Statistics 2026 report projects slower merchandise trade growth of 1.9% in 2026, influenced by AI investment and Middle East conflict impacts on energy and transport costs. Asia remains a key driver of trade, with specific growth projections for merchandise and services trade detailed.
WTO Members Launch MC14 Environmental Sustainability Package
79 WTO members participating in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) unveiled a package of outcome documents ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). The package showcases progress over five years and outlines a shift towards priority areas and concrete actions post-MC14.
Deputy Secretary Landau Travels to New York for UNSC Meeting
The U.S. Department of State announced that Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau will travel to New York on March 23, 2026, to chair a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine. The visit aims to promote U.S. priorities regarding peace in Europe and UN reform.
Guidance on Export Licence Applications under Defence Export Controls
The UK Department for Business and Trade and Export Control Joint Unit have published new guidance for submitting export licence applications under the Agreement on Defence Export Controls. This notice advises on how to apply under specific articles and includes an integration certificate template.
OFAC Sanctions List Update: Counter Terrorism, Narcotics, Russia Designations Removals
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, adding several individuals under counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, and Russia-related designations. These designations impose restrictions on the listed individuals and entities.
USPTO Final Rule: Foreign Patent Applicants Must Use Practitioner
The USPTO is issuing a final rule requiring foreign patent applicants and owners to be represented by a registered patent practitioner. This change aims to harmonize U.S. practice with international norms, increase USPTO efficiency, and improve enforcement of U.S. patent laws.