USITC institutes 337 investigation of NAND, DRAM memory chips
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into certain NAND and DRAM memory chips. The investigation follows a complaint alleging infringement of patents related to imported memory chips, with specific respondents identified. The USITC will determine if violations of section 337 have occurred.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain TOPCon Solar Cells
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement concerning certain TOPCon solar cells, modules, panels, and related products. The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by First Solar, Inc. against multiple domestic and international respondents.
USMCA Labor Mechanism Dispute Settlement Roster Applications Invited
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is inviting applications from eligible individuals to serve on specialized labor dispute settlement panels under the USMCA. Applications must be received by April 27, 2026, and are to be submitted through Regulations.gov.
ITC Expedited Reviews for Citric Acid and Citrate Salts from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has scheduled expedited reviews to determine if revoking antidumping and countervailing duty orders on citric acid and citrate salts from China would likely lead to material injury. The Commission found the domestic party response adequate and the respondent response inadequate, necessitating expedited reviews.
ITC Investigation on Hydrodermabrasion Systems - Violation Found
The U.S. International Trade Commission has determined a violation of section 337 occurred regarding hydrodermabrasion systems. While a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order were considered, their issuance is suspended due to patent expiration and a zero percent bond. The investigation is terminated.
Aluminum printing plates from China and Japan: Remand proceedings notice
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice of remand proceedings concerning its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of aluminum lithographic printing plates from China and Japan. This notice outlines the procedures for complying with a court order to reconsider specific aspects of the original determination, including the definition of the domestic industry and the treatment of related parties.
ITC Finds Material Injury from Erythritol Imports from China
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that imports of erythritol from China, found by the Department of Commerce to be subsidized and sold at less than fair value, are causing material injury to the U.S. industry. This determination imposes duties on these imports.
Plywood Duty Investigations: Final Phase Scheduling
The U.S. International Trade Commission has scheduled the final phase of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These investigations will determine if imports materially injure U.S. industries.
DOJ Declines Prosecution of Medical Device Firm Under New CEP
The DOJ announced its first declination under the new Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy (CEP) in an FCPA matter involving Balt SAS, a medical device company. Balt SAS will disgorge approximately $1.2 million in profits tied to alleged foreign bribery. This declination highlights the DOJ's continued emphasis on voluntary self-disclosure, cooperation, and remediation.
Investor Challenges Canadian Sanctions via Arbitration
Moldovan billionaire Igor Viktorovich Makarov has initiated an arbitration claim against Canada at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Makarov alleges that Canadian sanctions imposed on him have nullified his investment value and seeks damages, marking one of the first instances of an individual using an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism to challenge sanctions.
FCC Prohibits New Foreign-Made Consumer Routers
The FCC has banned the importation, marketing, and sale of new models of foreign-produced consumer routers due to supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks. This action adds these routers to the FCC's Covered List, regardless of their country of origin.
FTC Enforcement Scrutiny of "Made in America" Claims
The FCC has issued a new executive order directing increased scrutiny of "Made in America" claims by manufacturers and government contractors. The order prioritizes FTC enforcement actions and considers new regulations for online marketplaces to verify country-of-origin claims, with potential penalties for misrepresentations.
OFAC Issues Broad Authorizations for Dealings with PdVSA
The U.S. Department of Treasury's OFAC issued General License 52, broadly authorizing established U.S. entities to engage in transactions with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) and its subsidiaries. This license permits activities such as oil trading, new investment, and joint ventures, while maintaining specific restrictions.
China Revises Arbitration Law for Foreign-Related Arbitration
China's revised Arbitration Law, effective March 1, 2026, modernizes domestic and foreign-related arbitration. Key changes include recognizing online arbitration, imposing arbitrator disclosure obligations, and aligning foreign-related arbitration with international norms, such as adopting the concept of the seat of arbitration and permitting offshore institutions to administer cases in designated regions.
Federal Contractors Face Tightening Domestic Content Rules
Federal contractors must prepare for increased domestic content requirements under the Buy American Act, Build America, Buy America Act, and Trade Agreements Act. Thresholds are rising, with a significant increase to 75% domestic content due in 2029, and noncompliance risks substantial penalties under the False Claims Act.
Department of State Launches Pax Silica Fund
The U.S. Department of State announced the launch of the Pax Silica Fund, allocating $250 million in foreign assistance to support critical minerals extraction, processing, and manufacturing for semiconductor supply chains. The initiative aims to catalyze private and sovereign wealth investment, totaling over $1 trillion in assets, to enhance supply chain security and create commercial opportunities for trusted companies.
OFAC Rescinds Belarus Directive 1 and Issues General License 14
OFAC has rescinded Belarus Directive 1, which previously prohibited certain transactions with the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Belarus and the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus. Concurrently, OFAC issued Belarus General License 14, authorizing transactions involving Belarussian Bank of Development and Reconstruction Belinvestbank Joint Stock Company and certain additional entities. Belarus General License 13 was archived due to SDN removals.
CBSA: Excise Duty Rates Update for Alcohol and Tobacco
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced an update to excise duty rates for alcohol and tobacco products, effective April 1, 2026. These changes will be reflected in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.
Trump Administration Energy Policy and Job Creation
The Commerce Department highlighted the Trump administration's efforts to bring new power online, lower energy prices, and create jobs. The notice also promoted the Freedom 250 initiative celebrating American spirit.
Commerce and Energy Departments Announce Partnership for Affordable Energy and AI
The Departments of Commerce and Energy have announced a new partnership aimed at ensuring affordable energy and advancing the future of artificial intelligence. This collaboration seeks to align federal efforts in these critical sectors.
Commerce Final Affirmative CVD Determination for Steel Bar from Algeria
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced its final affirmative determination in the countervailing duty investigation of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Algeria. The investigation found subsidy rates of 72.94% for Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA and all other exporters, impacting significant import volumes and values.
Aluminum Lithographic Printing Plates from China and Japan - Final Remand Notice
The International Trade Commission has issued a notice regarding aluminum lithographic printing plates from China and Japan. This notice pertains to final remand investigations, specifically Investigation Nos. 701-TA-694 and 731-TA-1641-1642.
International Trade Commission: Hydrodermabrasion Systems Violate Section 337
The International Trade Commission has issued a final determination finding that certain hydrodermabrasion systems and components violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. This determination leads to the issuance and suspension of a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.
Erythritol from China - Determinations Published
The International Trade Commission published a notice regarding final determinations for Erythritol from China. This notice is part of investigation numbers 701-TA-751 and 731-TA-1729.
Citric acid and citrate salts from China: Expedited five-year reviews scheduled
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has scheduled expedited five-year reviews concerning imports of citric acid and certain citrate salts from China. These reviews are part of the standard process to determine if existing trade remedy orders should be continued.
Plywood Trade Investigations: China, Indonesia, Vietnam Final Phase Scheduling
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice scheduling the final phase of countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations concerning hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This notice outlines the procedural steps and timelines for the upcoming final determination.
FTZ 81 Proposed Production Activity for Hypertherm Inc
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has published a notice regarding a proposed production activity for Hypertherm Inc. at its facilities in Hanover and Lebanon, New Hampshire. The proposal involves specific plasma cutting equipment and components, with public comment invited.
FTZ 164: Webco Industries Proposed Steel Tubing Production Activity
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has published a notification regarding proposed production activity by Webco Industries, Inc. within FTZ 164 in Kellyville, Oklahoma. The proposal involves the production of steel tubing using specific foreign-status materials.
USMCA Labor Mechanism Dispute Settlement Roster Application Invitation
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is inviting applications for inclusion on the facility-specific rapid response labor mechanism dispute settlement roster under the USMCA. Eligible individuals, including U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries, are encouraged to apply by April 27, 2026.
President Costa's Report on Geopolitical Instability and Economic Agenda
President António Costa delivered a report to the European Parliament outlining the EU's ambitious economic agenda amidst geopolitical instability. The report details the 'One Europe, One Market' agenda, focusing on completing the single market, improving professional qualifications, and enhancing strategic autonomy, with key targets set for 2026 and 2027.
EU Selects Lille to Host New Customs Authority
The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have selected Lille, France, as the host city for the new European Union customs authority (EUCA). This authority, expected to have 250 staff, will coordinate national customs activities to reform the EU's customs framework in response to increased trade flows and e-commerce.
China Round Table Highlights WTO Accession Benefits for Domestic Reform
The WTO held its 14th China Round Table on WTO Accessions, highlighting how accession fosters domestic reform and development, particularly for African countries. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the continued importance of international cooperation and the WTO's role in rules-based trade.
WTO MC14 Event: Scaling Up Support for Trade in Services for Development
At an event preceding the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, ministers emphasized the importance of the Trade in Services for Development (TS4D) initiative. The WTO Director-General called for increased international partnerships to boost support for developing members, highlighting the transformative potential of services trade for development.
WTO Event Boosts Women Traders' Access to Markets Ahead of MC14
The WTO held a high-level event in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to mark progress in empowering women traders and enhancing their access to international markets. The event highlighted initiatives like the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, which is disbursing US$1.7 million in grants to women-led businesses.
EIF Launches New Phase for LDC Trade Partnerships
The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) has launched its third phase, aiming to support trade and investment priorities in least-developed countries (LDCs). The launch event, held during the WTO Ministerial Conference, saw new contribution pledges from several countries, including Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Secretary Rubio Discusses Iran Conflict with Norwegian Prime Minister Store
Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on March 25, 2026, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran and efforts to maintain international pressure on the Iranian regime. The Secretary also thanked Norway for its support following the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Oslo.
Bangladesh National Day Observed by State Department
The U.S. Department of State, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issued a press statement congratulating Bangladesh on its Independence Day. The statement reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its partnership with Bangladesh and looks forward to strengthening economic and security ties.
OFAC Authorizes Venezuela's PdVSA for Oil Trading and Investment
On March 18, 2026, OFAC issued General License 52, authorizing established U.S. entities to engage in transactions with Venezuela's PdVSA, including oil trading and new investments. The license maintains significant restrictions and was accompanied by clarifying FAQs.