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Humanitarian Assistance Exception Notification for Petroleum Products

The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has released guidance and a notification form for 'relevant persons' to report the use of a humanitarian assistance exception related to petroleum products for Syria. This exception, under the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, requires notification by the end of the calendar year in which activities take place.

US Drafts AI Chip Export Controls

The US is reportedly drafting new export control regulations for AI chips, which would implement a tiered licensing system based on computing power. These draft rules aim to position the US as a gatekeeper for the global AI industry and could impose significant pre-clearance requirements for high-volume exports.

USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Forced Labor Imports

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 major trading partners to determine if they are effectively banning imports of goods produced with forced labor. The USTR is seeking public comment and will hold hearings on the matter.

USTR Probes 17 Countries for Excess Manufacturing Capacity

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated Section 301 investigations into 17 countries for structural excess manufacturing capacity and production. The probe aims to address potential unfair trade practices and could lead to the imposition of tariffs.

Commerce Final Results: Antidumping Duty on Pasta from Italy

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced final results for the antidumping duty administrative review of certain pasta from Italy for the period July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Final dumping margins range from 2.65% to 7.00% for specific producers, and 5.21% for non-selected companies.

Global Antitrust Enforcement Report Analysis

A&O Shearman has published a global antitrust enforcement report analyzing trends across over 30 jurisdictions. The report highlights a significant increase in cartel fines, reaching USD3.3 billion in 2025, and increased scrutiny of digital markets and investigative powers.

Antitrust Enforcement Fines Regional Snapshots 2025

This document provides a visual breakdown of antitrust enforcement fines across Europe, APAC, and the Americas for 2025. It highlights regional differences in enforcement priorities and the types of conduct most commonly penalized by competition authorities, noting significant financial figures for Europe.

Global Antitrust Fines Reached $7.7 Billion in 2025

A&O Shearman's March 2026 report indicates global antitrust fines rose to $7.7 billion in 2025, the highest since 2021. While the total number of infringement decisions decreased, the report highlights a strategic shift by regulators towards more efficient enforcement, focusing on key sectors and utilizing "soft" tools alongside targeted "hard" fines for deterrence and precedent-setting.

Regulatory Scrutiny of Procedural Compliance and Penalties in 2025

In 2025, regulators in the EU, China, and the US increased enforcement of procedural non-compliance. The European Commission fined Eurofield approximately USD194,000 for incomplete information, and the Italian AGCM fined Ryanair USD1.47 million for similar issues. These actions highlight a growing trend of penalties for procedural missteps.

SEC Grants Section 16(a) Exemption for Foreign Private Issuer Directors

The SEC has issued an exemptive order providing relief from Section 16(a) reporting requirements for directors and officers of foreign private issuers organized in specific jurisdictions, effective March 5, 2026. This exemption applies if the issuer is organized in a qualifying jurisdiction and subject to substantially similar regulations.