USITC Injury Determination - Quartz Surface Products Safeguard Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission determined in a 2-1 vote that increased imports of quartz surface products constitute a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry under Section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974. Investigation TA-201-79 was initiated November 17, 2025, following a petition from the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America. The Commission will proceed to the remedy phase with a public hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026, and must submit its report to the President by May 18, 2026.
Section 337 Investigation of Display Devices, Streaming Players, and Components
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted to institute Investigation No. 337-TA-1496 based on a complaint by InnoTV Labs alleging patent infringement by nine respondents including Hisense, Roku, and Purple Tag Media Technology. The investigation covers certain display devices, streaming players, and components imported into the United States. The complainant seeks limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders.
USITC Affirmative Injury Determination on Fatty Acids from Indonesia and Malaysia
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted 3-0 that there is reasonable indication of material injury to the domestic industry from imports of fatty acids from Indonesia and Malaysia allegedly sold below fair value and subsidized by those governments. This affirmative determination allows the Department of Commerce to continue its countervailing duty (701-TA-785-786) and antidumping duty (731-TA-1773-1774) investigations.
Swiss Sanctions Updates for Ukraine Annex 8 Amendments
SECO amended annex 8 to the Ordinance on Measures Relating to the Ukraine Situation, adding 9 individuals and modifying entries for 132 individuals and 77 organizations. The amendments took effect at 11 pm on April 1, 2026, updating Swiss sanctions in coordination with international measures.
Delcy Rodriguez removed from Venezuela sanctions list
OFAC removed Delcy Rodriguez (a.k.a. Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez) from the Specially Designated Nationals List on April 1, 2026. The Venezuelan national, previously designated under Venezuela sanctions, has been delisted. Entities previously prohibited from dealings with her due to her SDN status should update their screening systems accordingly.
EU CBAM Definitive Phase Enforcement and Penalties Analysis
The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered its definitive phase on January 1, 2026, transforming from a reporting tool to an economic instrument imposing financial obligations. Only authorized CBAM declarants may import carbon-intensive goods above a 50-ton de minimis threshold, with certificate sales opening February 1, 2027 and the first annual declaration and surrender due September 30, 2027.
EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation Quarterly Update, Enforcement Activity
The European Commission published FSR Guidelines on 9 January 2026 setting out its substantive assessment framework for foreign subsidies, including the balancing test and call-in powers for below-threshold transactions and public tenders. The EC also published summary notices in February 2026 for its first two ex officio investigations under the FSR: Nuctech and Goldwind.
CAPE System Development Progress and Phase 1 IEEPA Tariff Refund Entry Limitations
CBP filed a status declaration with the Court of International Trade updating progress on the CAPE system within ACE. CAPE components range from 60-85% complete: Claim Portal (85%), Review and Reliquidation (80%), Refund (75%), and Mass Processing (60%). The declaration clarifies Phase 1 limitations, excluding entries with open protests, reconciliation flags, drawback claims, or finally liquidated entries from the initial IEEPA tariff refund deployment.
OFAC General Licenses Authorizing Venezuela Energy and Petrochemical Exports
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC issued multiple amended General Licenses (46B, 47, 48A, 49A, 50A, 51A, 52, 53, 54, and 55) authorizing transactions related to Venezuela's energy and petrochemical sectors. The licenses permit U.S. entities to engage in Venezuelan-origin oil exports and imports, U.S.-origin diluent exports to Venezuela, and oil/gas exploration and production activities. Contracts with Venezuelan government or PdVSA entities must be governed by U.S. law with U.S.-based dispute resolution.
Whistleblower Reward Program for AML and Sanctions Violations
FinCEN published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish a whistleblower award program for BSA/AML and sanctions violations, funded by a $300 million revolving fund. The proposal would allow individuals to receive monetary awards for reporting violations that result in enforcement actions with penalties exceeding $1 million. Unlike SEC's program, compliance officers and internal auditors would not be broadly excluded from eligibility.
FCC Adds Foreign-Produced Consumer Routers to Covered List
The FCC released Public Notice DA-26-278A1 adding foreign-produced consumer routers to the Covered List, prohibiting new router models from receiving FCC equipment authorizations for U.S. importation and sale. The action stems from a March 20, 2026 National Security Determination finding consumer-grade routers produced outside the U.S. pose an unacceptable risk to national security. A companion notice (DA-26-286A1) provides an implementation grace period until March 1, 2027.
Bill transposing EU Sanctions Directive 2024/1226 into French law
France filed Bill No. with the National Assembly on March 3, 2026 to transpose EU Sanctions Directive 2024/1226 into French law, 10 months past the May 20, 2025 transposition deadline. The Bill substantially enhances penalties for violations of EU restrictive measures and introduces a new non-intentional offence. The proposal includes exemptions and reduced penalties as permitted by the Directive.
EU Tax Revenue Trends 2024
DG TAXUD released the 2026 Taxation Trends report showing EU-27 tax revenue reached €7.1 trillion in 2024, a 5.6% increase from 2023. The tax-to-GDP ratio rose slightly from 39.0% to 39.4%. Labour taxes account for 51.5% of total revenue, while consumption taxes (26.8%) and capital taxes (21.6%) saw slight declines.
EU Customs Union Reform - E-commerce Measures and Data-Driven Architecture
The European Commission welcomes the landmark agreement between the European Parliament and Council delivering the most ambitious EU Customs Union reform since 1968. The reform establishes a new EU Customs Authority (EUCA) in Lille, France, and introduces an EU Customs Data Hub enabling single data submission for traders across all 27 Member States, projected to save over €2 billion annually in operational costs. The agreement removes duty exemptions for low-value e-commerce parcels valued below €150, addressing the surge of 5.9 billion items entering the EU in 2025 with over 90% from China.
EU CBAM Webinar Clarifies 2026 Implementation Changes
The European Commission's DG TAXUD published a webinar summary clarifying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism's definitive phase, which began 1 January 2026. The document explains CBAM emissions calculations (embedded emissions, free allocation adjustments, and third-country carbon price deductions) and the choice between default and actual verified values. CBAM importers and declarants must submit their CBAM Registry applications by 31 March 2026.
U.S.-Republic of Korea Public Diplomacy Dialogue
The U.S. Department of State's Office of the Spokesperson issued a press note on April 1, 2026, documenting the second U.S.-Republic of Korea Public Diplomacy Dialogue held in Seoul. Under Secretary Rogers and Deputy Minister Lim signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on 'Freedom 250' collaboration and discussed digital regulations, countering propaganda, shipbuilding cooperation, and youth programs. The officials agreed to maintain close coordination with the next dialogue to be hosted in Washington.
Foreign Service Selection and Preparation Reforms
The U.S. Department of State announced comprehensive reforms to the U.S. Foreign Service selection and preparation processes on April 1, 2026. Key changes include reinstating a written examination, overhauling the Foreign Service Officer Test to emphasize American history and logical reasoning, and redesigning the A-100 onboarding program to include substantive diplomatic training. The reforms eliminate DEI-focused questions from testing and remove "team resilience" exercises from training.
Foreign Service Selection and Orientation Reforms Announced
The U.S. Department of State announced reforms to Foreign Service selection and orientation processes. Selection exams will now test American history, foreign policy concepts, and logical reasoning, replacing previous ideological alignment questions. Orientation programs shift to training in public speaking, negotiation, commercial diplomacy, and diplomatic history. Testing registration is open for May 15-22, 2026.
Secretary Rubio discusses foreign policy on Fox News
Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Fox News with Sean Hannity on March 31, 2026, to discuss the Trump administration's foreign policy priorities. Rubio outlined four strategic objectives against Iran: degrading its air force, navy, missile launchers, and defense industrial base. The interview addressed Iran's nuclear program, uranium enrichment activities, and its status as a leading sponsor of terrorism.
Preliminary Affirmative Antidumping Duty Determination - Oleoresin Paprika from India
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced preliminary affirmative determinations in the antidumping duty investigation of oleoresin paprika from India, establishing estimated weighted-average dumping margins of 3.33% to 5.66% for named exporters. Cash deposit rates have been set at 0.00% (adjusted for subsidy offsets) for all exporters pending the final determination expected August 20, 2026.
Anti-Dumping Investigation on Unarmoured Building Cables from China
The CBSA initiated anti-dumping and countervailing investigations on March 16, 2026, concerning unarmoured building cables from China, following a complaint by PTI Cables Inc. The investigations were initiated under subsection 31(1) of the Special Import Measures Act after evidence showed that imports may have been dumped and subsidized, causing or threatening injury to the Canadian industry. The CBSA published the Statement of Reasons on March 31, 2026.
CBP Opens Preclearance Facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
CBP announced the opening of a preclearance facility at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on March 10, 2026. This is the second preclearance facility in Toronto, Ontario, operating under the 2015 U.S.-Canada Preclearance Agreement. The facility enables travelers to complete immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections by CBP officers in Canada before boarding direct flights to the United States. CBP projects 300,000-350,000 travelers will be processed annually at this facility.
Request for Use of Foreign Vessel RIPTIDE in Coastwise Trade
Maritime Administration (MARAD) received a request to use foreign-flagged vessel RIPTIDE in U.S. coastwise trade, which is generally reserved for U.S.-flagged vessels. The document (MARAD-2026-0431-0002) appears on Regulations.gov seeking comment or approval for this Jones Act waiver. Interested parties should review the request and submit relevant comments.
SCOUT Vessel Foreign Coastwise Trade Request
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has posted a request for use of a foreign vessel named SCOUT in U.S. coastwise trade. The request is open for public review and comment through the Regulations.gov portal under docket MARAD-2026-0430. Parties interested in maritime commerce and Jones Act compliance may wish to monitor this proceeding.
Five-year review of AD/CVD orders on non-refillable steel cylinders from China
The US International Trade Commission has instituted five-year reviews (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-644 and 731-TA-1494) to determine whether revocation of existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on non-refillable steel cylinders from China would likely cause continued material injury to the domestic industry. The reviews were instituted on April 1, 2026, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930. The original AD/CVD orders were issued by Commerce on May 11, 2021.
Prestressed Concrete Steel Wire Strand from China; Five-Year Reviews
The US International Trade Commission instituted its third five-year reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on prestressed concrete steel wire strand from China. The reviews examine whether revocation of the duties would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry. Response deadline is May 1, 2026; public comments on adequacy of responses due June 9, 2026.
Five-Year Review of Antidumping Duties on Small Vertical Shaft Engines from China
The US International Trade Commission has instituted five-year reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on small vertical shaft engines from China (Investigation Nos. 701-TA-643 and 731-TA-1493). The reviews will determine whether revocation of the orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry. Interested parties must submit response information by May 1, 2026, with comments on adequacy due June 9, 2026.
Five-Year Review of Mattress Antidumping Duties - Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam
The US International Trade Commission has instituted five-year reviews of countervailing and antidumping duty orders on mattresses from Cambodia, China, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The reviews will determine whether revocation of these orders (originally issued May 2021) would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry. Interested parties must submit responsive information by May 1, 2026.
Kitchen Appliance Shelving and Racks From China - Antidumping Duty Order Continuation
The US International Trade Commission issued a notice continuing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on kitchen appliance shelving and racks from China following its third five-year review under section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930. The Commission determined that revocation of these orders would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry within a reasonably foreseeable time. This affects importers and domestic manufacturers of these products.
Chassis and Subassemblies From China - Five-Year Review Institution
The US International Trade Commission instituted five-year reviews under Section 751(c) of the Tariff Act to determine whether to continue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on chassis and subassemblies from China. The original orders were issued by Commerce in May and July 2021. Interested parties must submit responses by May 1, 2026, and public comments may be filed through June 9, 2026.
Five-year Review of Antidumping Duties on Boltless Steel Shelving from China
The US International Trade Commission has instituted second five-year reviews to determine whether to continue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on boltless steel shelving units prepackaged for sale from China. The Commission will assess whether revocation of these orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry. Interested parties must respond by May 1, 2026, and comments on response adequacy are due June 9, 2026.
Most US States Underfund Highways with Road Tax Revenues
Tax Foundation released research analyzing state highway funding sources for FY 2023. Only Maryland (92.2%) and New Jersey fully cover highway spending through road use taxes, while the remaining 48 states and D.C. rely on general fund transfers. Alaska has the lowest coverage at 17.4%, followed by North Dakota at 26.8%. The analysis examines how gas tax revenues erode due to inflation and electric vehicle adoption.
Adtran proposes telecommunications manufacturing at FTZ 83, Huntsville
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board published a notice that Adtran Inc. submitted a notification of proposed production activity for its facility in Subzone 83G, Huntsville, Alabama. The request covers telecommunications equipment manufacturing using imported components including integrated circuits, capacitors, and connectors, with finished products including optical line termination devices and network channel cards. Benefits under FTZ procedures may include reduced or duty-free tariffs on foreign-status materials.
Tekni-Plex proposes coated nonwoven production in Madison
Tekni-Plex proposes coated nonwoven production in Madison
Pacific Islands Logbook Family of Forms - Information Collection Extension
NOAA published a 30-day notice extending an information collection request under the Paperwork Reduction Act for the Pacific Islands Logbook Family of Forms (OMB Control No. 0648-0214). The collection applies to 576 vessel operators and owners in Federally-managed fisheries in the Pacific Islands Region who must report fishing activities, catch data, and protected species interactions. Comments on the collection are due within 30 days of publication.
NMFS prohibits pot catcher/processor Pacific cod fishing BSAI
NMFS prohibits pot catcher/processor Pacific cod fishing BSAI
Liberation Day Tariffs: President Trump Tariffs & Trade Policy
Liberation Day Tariffs: President Trump Tariffs & Trade Policy
Russia Sanctions Software Tech Export Licence Extended
The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) issued Notice 2026/08 extending the validity period of the General Trade Licence for Russia sanctions covering sectoral software and technology. This licence permits certain software and technology exports to Russia under specific conditions. UK exporters relying on this licence should verify the updated validity dates for their export activities.
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Review
Sunset review advance notice, antidumping countervailing duty orders
Initiation of Five-Year Sunset Reviews of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
The Department of Commerce initiated mandatory five-year (sunset) reviews of 11 antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders covering mattresses from Cambodia, Malaysia, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam; boltless steel shelving and chassis subassemblies from China; non-refillable steel cylinders from China; steel wire strand from China; and small vertical shaft engines from China. The International Trade Commission is conducting concurrent reviews to determine whether termination of these trade remedies would cause material injury to the domestic industry.
Notice of Scope Ruling Applications Filed in Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Proceedings
Scope rulings to determine AD/CVD coverage for products
Steel rebar Algeria countervailing duty final affirmative determination
Steel rebar Algeria countervailing duty final affirmative determination
EXIM Bank SBCL Policy Comment Request
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) published a notice inviting public comments on its Application for Special Buyer Credit Limit (SBCL) Under Multi-Buyer Export Credit Insurance Policies (EIB 92-51). The 30-day comment period closes May 1, 2026. The notice estimates 2,000 respondents with an annual hour burden of 1,000 hours under OMB Control Number 3048-0015.
WTO MC14 ends without agreement on reform, e-commerce
The EC Directorate-General for Trade reports that the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) concluded on 29 March 2026 without Members reaching agreement on WTO reform or extending the e-commerce customs duty moratorium. Despite the overall impasse, 66 Members representing 70% of global trade agreed to implement the first set of global digital trade rules, and most Members endorsed incorporating the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.
Secretary Rubio's Call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Rangel
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on March 31, 2026. The call highlighted the continued strength of U.S.-Portugal bilateral ties and emphasized Portugal's close economic and defense cooperation with the United States. Both leaders expressed their commitment to transatlantic security.