Section 337 Investigation Instituted on Electric Aircraft Patent Claims
The USITC voted to institute Investigation No. 337-TA-1499 based on a complaint filed by Archer Aviation alleging that Joby Aero, Inc. and Joby Aviation, Inc. imported electric aircraft and components that infringe certain patents in violation of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The complainant seeks limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders against the respondents.
USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Over-the-Counter Topical Lidocaine Patches
The USITC voted to institute investigation 337-TA-1498 regarding certain over-the-counter topical lidocaine patches based on a complaint from J.A.R. Laboratories LLC alleging patent infringement under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The complaint requests limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders against 13 respondents including Veridian Healthcare, Perrigo, Opella Healthcare, Hisamitsu, and Reckitt Benckiser. The USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits.
USITC Votes To Continue Investigations On Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes From China and India
The USITC voted 3-0 to continue antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on large diameter graphite electrodes from China and India, finding reasonable indication of material injury to the U.S. industry. The affirmative determinations allow the Department of Commerce to proceed with its investigations into alleged unfair import pricing and foreign government subsidies.
USITC Affirms Injury from Chinese Temporary Steel Fencing
The US International Trade Commission (USITC) made an affirmative final injury determination in investigations 701-TA-754 and 731-TA-1732 regarding temporary steel fencing from China. Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners Jason E. Kearns and David S. Johanson voted in the affirmative, finding that the U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of dumped and subsidized imports. Commerce will now issue antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on these imports.
Section 337 Investigation of Screen Protectors Instituted
The U.S. International Trade Commission voted to institute investigation 337-TA-1497 of certain screen protectors, application systems, and components following a patent infringement complaint filed by Belkin International against Superior Communications. The complaint alleges violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 regarding imported products. The USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case.
OCTG Five-Year Review From China Scheduled - Expedited Reviews
The ITC has scheduled expedited five-year reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on Oil Country Tubular Goods from China. The reviews will determine whether revocation of these trade remedy orders would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic industry. Written comments from interested parties are due by April 22, 2026.
Silicon Metal from Angola, Laos, and Thailand — Material Injury Determinations
The ITC determined that U.S. silicon metal producers Ferroglobe USA and Mississippi Silicon are materially injured by imports of silicon metal from Laos sold at less than fair value and subsidized by the Laotian government. The Commission also found that imports from Angola sold at LTFV threaten the domestic industry with material injury. The countervailing duty investigation on Thailand was terminated due to negligible imports.
USMCA Panel Finds Severe Labor Rights Denial at Orla Mining's Minera Camino Rojo Facility
A USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism panel issued a binding determination finding that Orla Mining's Minera Camino Rojo facility in Mexico engaged in a "severe" denial of labor rights, violating USMCA labor commitments. This is the first step in USMCA enforcement proceedings that can lead to monetary penalties or import restrictions on goods produced at the facility. The USTR announced this determination as part of ongoing USMCA compliance monitoring.
Ambassador Greer Participates in WTO 14th Ministerial Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Ambassador Jamieson Greer represented the United States at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The conference brought together WTO member nations to discuss global trade issues. No binding agreements or specific commitments were announced in the available press release materials.
USTR Issues Report on WTO Reform on Eve of Ministerial Conference
USTR has issued a report on WTO reform ahead of the organization's 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The report outlines U.S. positions on reforming World Trade Organization rules and procedures. The document is part of ongoing U.S. engagement in multilateral trade governance discussions.
US-Japan Action Plan on Critical Minerals Announced
USTR announced the U.S.-Japan Action Plan on Critical Minerals in March 2026. The plan establishes a framework for bilateral cooperation on critical mineral supply chains between the United States and Japan. This diplomatic initiative affects companies involved in mining, processing, and trading of critical minerals used in clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
US and Mexico Announce Next Steps for USMCA Joint Review
USTR and Mexico announced next steps for bilateral discussions in advance of the USMCA joint review. The announcement outlines preparations for the mandatory 6-year review process of the trade agreement. Businesses engaged in US-Mexico trade should monitor for potential changes to trade terms and compliance requirements.
Ambassador Greer Criticizes WTO as Not Serious Forum in Wall Street Journal Op-Ed
USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal criticizing the World Trade Organization as ineffective and 'not a serious forum.' The op-ed was written following the 14th Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where the Ambassador assessed that few cabinet-level ministers attended and the organization has failed to address trade imbalances or protect U.S. interests. Greer stated the U.S. is driving global trade reform to eliminate non-reciprocal practices.
Ambassador Greer to Tour Michigan Ohio Manufacturing Plants Meet Workers
USTR announced that Ambassador Jamieson Greer will travel to Michigan and Ohio on April 9-10, 2026, to tour five manufacturing facilities including drone production, automotive assembly, defense technology, solar manufacturing, and appliance production. The Ambassador will meet with manufacturing workers and industry executives to discuss the Administration's trade policies supporting reindustrialization.
US-UK Arrangement on Pharmaceutical Pricing Concluded
USTR announces the successful conclusion of a US-UK arrangement on pharmaceutical pricing, addressing long-standing trade imbalances in the pharmaceutical sector. The agreement aims to ensure trading partners contribute fairly to R&D costs while expanding affordable access to life-saving medicines and strengthening supply chains.
Tariff Policy Review Protects American Jobs, Farmers, Manufacturers
The USTR released a one-year status report on the Trump administration's Liberation Day tariff program. The overall U.S. goods trade deficit decreased 24% from April 2025 through February 2026 compared to the prior year period. The report attributes the tariff program to increased market access for American farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers, reshoring of production lines, and decreasing the trade deficit.
2026 National Trade Estimate Report Released
The U.S. Trade Representative released the 2026 National Trade Estimate Report, documenting foreign trade barriers affecting U.S. exports across 60 trading partners. The annual report identifies tariff and non-tariff barriers, localization requirements, and digital trade restrictions impacting American manufacturers, farmers, and service providers.
USTR Participates in WTO 14th Ministerial Conference, Yaoundé
The United States Trade Representative announced participation in the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference held in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Ambassador Jamieson Greer represented U.S. interests at the multilateral trade gathering. The conference brought together WTO member nations to discuss global trade issues and reforms.
ThyssenKrupp Mexico Labor Dispute Resolved Under USMCA
USTR announced successful resolution of a Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter under USMCA at ThyssenKrupp Springs & Stabilizers de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. The labor rights complaint, filed under the USMCA's enforcement mechanism, has been resolved, marking another successful application of the trade agreement's labor provisions.
American Workers, Farmers Support Section 301 Investigations
American Workers, Farmers Support Section 301 Investigations
OFAC Advisory on Sham Transactions and Sanctions Evasion
Seward & Kissel LLP summarizes OFAC's March 2026 advisory on sham transactions and sanctions evasion. The advisory highlights risks where blocked persons attempt to evade sanctions through transfers structured to conceal continuing interests in property. OFAC identifies red flags including commercially unreasonable transactions, transfers to family members or nominees, complex opaque structures, and timing near sanctions designations.
IEEPA Litigation Update: CIT Designates New Lead Case After Atmus Dismissal
The U.S. Court of International Trade designated Euro-Nations Florida v. U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the new lead case for all IEEPA tariff litigation following dismissal of the Atmus case. The CIT issued orders directing CBP to liquidate and reliquidate entries without regard to IEEPA duties, confirming national jurisdiction and exclusive subject matter jurisdiction over tariff claims.
Carbon and Alloy Steel Wire Rod from Algeria - CVD Petition Summary
Five major US steel producers (Charter Steel, Commercial Metals Company, Liberty Steel USA, Nucor Corporation, and Optimus Steel LLC) filed a countervailing duty petition with the DOC and ITC targeting imports of carbon and alloy steel wire rod from Algeria. The petition alleges Algerian producers/exporters received countervailable subsidies. Preliminary determinations expected within the next several weeks, with final determinations following.
BASF Antidumping Petition on PTMEG from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam
BASF Corporation filed an antidumping duty petition with the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission on April 8, 2026, covering imports of polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The petition alleges that foreign producers/exporters are selling PTMEG in the United States at less than fair value. The ITC will conduct preliminary injury investigations while DOC initiates antidumping duty investigations, with preliminary determinations anticipated in mid-2026.
OFAC Sanctions CJNG-Linked Timeshare Resort in Mexico for Fraud Targeting US Citizens
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC sanctioned Kovay Gardens, a luxury timeshare resort near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with associated individuals and entities linked to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The designation targets a fraud scheme that allegedly deceived U.S. timeshare owners, particularly elderly holders, through deceptive sales and resale tactics. All property and interests in property of designated persons within U.S. possession or control are now blocked.
China Enacts Comprehensive Regulations on Industrial and Supply Chain Security
China's State Council published the Regulations on Industrial and Supply Chain Security on April 7, 2026, effective immediately with no transition period. The Regulations create a unified national security–driven framework consolidating export controls and anti-sanctions provisions, monitored by over 15 government agencies including MOFCOM, MIIT, and CAC. Multinational companies face expanded regulatory scrutiny including restrictions on supply chain data collection and potential enforcement for commercial decisions to exit China-related supply chains.
FCC Bars Foreign Consumer Routers From US Market
The FCC updated its Covered List to include all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries, implementing a March 20, 2026 national security determination. The action prohibits new foreign-made consumer routers from receiving FCC equipment authorization, preventing their import, marketing, or sale in the US unless they obtain Conditional Approval from the Department of War or DHS.
PCT Informed Examination Request Pilot Program
The USPTO announced the PCT Informed Examination Request (PIER) Pilot Program, running from April 9, 2026 through April 9, 2027. The program will select patent applications to participate in examining whether early examination requests improve patent examination efficiency. The USPTO may extend the program or terminate it at its discretion based on workload, resources, public feedback, and program effectiveness.
Final Affirmative Antidumping Duty Determination: Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate from China
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued its final affirmative determination in the antidumping duty investigation of Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate from China. The investigation established weighted-average dumping margins of 85.11 percent for named exporters Covestro Polymers and Shandong Mingko, and 159.04 percent for the China-wide entity based on adverse facts available. U.S. imports of MDI from China totaled approximately $241 million in 2024, up from $230.8 million in 2023.
OCTG From China Five-Year Review Scheduled
The US International Trade Commission has scheduled expedited five-year (sunset) reviews for antidumping and countervailing duty orders on oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from China under Investigation Nos. 701-TA-463 and 731-TA-1159 (Third Review). The reviews will determine whether removing these trade remedies would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to the domestic OCTG industry. Domestic producers and importers of OCTG should prepare for the expedited review process.
Silicon Metal From Angola, Laos, and Thailand
The USITC published a notice announcing final determinations in countervailing duty and antidumping duty injury investigations concerning silicon metal from Angola, Laos, and Thailand. Investigation Nos. 701-TA-761, 701-TA-763, 731-TA-1743, and 731-TA-1745 (Final) are covered under citation 91 FR 18004.
FTZ 39 Dallas/Fort Worth Service Area Expansion Application
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board published notice of an application by the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board to expand Foreign-Trade Zone 39's service area under the Alternative Site Framework. The request would add Parker, Palo Pinto, and Jack Counties to the existing eight-county service area in Texas. Public comments are being accepted through June 8, 2026, with rebuttal comments due June 23, 2026.
Phillips 66 Subzone Application - Billings, Montana
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board published notice of Phillips 66 Company's application for subzone status for a 210-acre facility at 401 South 23rd Street in Billings, Montana. The application, submitted by the City and County of Butte-Silver Bow as grantee of FTZ 274, requests designation under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act. Public comments are invited through May 19, 2026.
Foreign-Trade Zone 136 Florida, reorganization application filed
The Foreign-Trade Zones Board published notice that Canaveral Port Authority submitted an application to expand FTZ 136's service area from Brevard County to include Lake and Osceola Counties, Florida. The application seeks reorganization under the Alternative Site Framework, which allows greater flexibility in designating usage-driven FTZ sites. Public comments on the application are invited through June 8, 2026.
Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet from Türkiye - Final CVD Review 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce issued final results of the countervailing duty administrative review for common alloy aluminum sheet from Türkiye, covering the period January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Commerce determined that countervailable subsidies are being provided to certain producers/exporters of aluminum sheet from Türkiye, with a final subsidy rate of 5.07 percent ad valorem for the reviewed companies.
Smaller corporate tax bills reflect proper investment treatment, not new loopholes
Tax Foundation op-ed explains that smaller corporate tax bills under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reflect proper investment treatment through permanent 100% bonus depreciation and R&D expensing, not new tax loopholes. The analysis argues these provisions correct a major flaw in the tax code by allowing businesses to deduct investment costs immediately.
Gas tax holidays are counterproductive, research shows
Gas tax holidays are counterproductive, research shows