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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Tekni-Plex proposes coated nonwoven production in Madison

Tekni-Plex proposes coated nonwoven production in Madison

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.

NMFS prohibits pot catcher/processor Pacific cod fishing BSAI

NMFS prohibits pot catcher/processor Pacific cod fishing BSAI

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.

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.

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.

Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Review

Sunset review advance notice, antidumping countervailing duty orders

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.

Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act - Shielding US Companies from Foreign Sanctions Judgments

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced S.2934, the Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025, on March 26, 2026. The bill would create a new Section 1660 under Title 28 to bar enforcement of foreign judgments or arbitral awards in U.S. courts where the underlying dispute arose from compliance with U.S. sanctions or where foreign courts asserted jurisdiction based on U.S. sanctions or export controls.

Float Glass Products from China and Malaysia - Injury Determination

The ITC determined that the U.S. float glass industry is materially injured by reason of subsidized and LTFV imports from China, enabling antidumping and countervailing duty orders. The investigation concerning Malaysia's LTFV imports was terminated as negligible. Investigation Nos. 701-TA-748-749 and 731-TA-1726-1727.

Section 337 Semiconductor Investigation - GlobalFoundries v. Tower Semiconductor Entities

The U.S. International Trade Commission has received a Section 337 complaint filed by GlobalFoundries U.S. Inc. against Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (Israel), Tower Partners Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (Japan), Tower Semiconductor Italy S.R.L., and four U.S. subsidiaries, alleging violations of 19 U.S.C. 1337 regarding imported semiconductor devices. The Commission is soliciting public comments on public interest factors before determining whether to issue limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders.

Swiss Sanctions Against ISIL Al-Qaida Updated

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) announced updates to Switzerland's sanctions ordinance against ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida on March 27, 2026. The UN Security Council Sanctions Committee amended its consolidated list of sanctioned individuals, companies, and organizations, triggering automatic implementation in Switzerland under the 2016 Federal Council ordinance. The SESAM database has been updated to reflect the new designations.

Switzerland Updates Sanctions List for ISIL and Al-Qaida

Switzerland's SECO announced updates to sanctions designations for ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida following UN Security Council amendments. The SESAM database has been updated to reflect the new designations. Swiss entities must immediately comply with asset freeze and other measures under the automatic application ordinance.

Venezuela Sanctions Compliance FAQ 1247

OFAC published Venezuela-related FAQ 1247 providing interpretive guidance on Venezuela sanctions compliance. The FAQ addresses common questions regarding prohibited transactions, persons, and activities under Venezuela sanctions programs. The document applies to U.S. persons and entities engaging in transactions involving Venezuela.

TRA Final Decisions on Steel Tariff Rate Quota Reviews

The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) published final decisions on three tariff rate quota (TRQ) reviews affecting UK steel safeguard measures. TQ0077 maintained existing TRQs for categories 4 and 7 steel; TQ0078 varied category 12A by removing three commodity codes; and TQ0085 recommended a country-specific quota for Turkey after its developing country exemption threshold was exceeded. All changes take effect 1 April 2026.

EU Customs Reform Agreement Establishes New Authority and Data Hub

The Council of the European Union and European Parliament reached a political agreement on March 26, 2026, for the most significant EU customs reform since 1968. The reform establishes a new EU Customs Authority (EUCA) headquartered in Lille, France, and a centralized EU Customs Data Hub. New obligations target e-commerce platforms and non-EU sellers, with phased implementation through 2034.

Section 301 Investigations Into Excess Supply and Forced Labor Prohibitions

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced two Section 301 investigations covering 60 foreign economies to examine alleged unfair trade practices related to excess supply and forced labor prohibitions. The investigations may result in tariffs or other remedial trade actions. Written comments and hearing requests are due by April 15, 2026.

Sanctions Advisory on Sham Transactions and Sanctions Evasion

OFAC published a sanctions advisory on sham transactions and sanctions evasion. The guidance highlights risks arising from sham transactions used to evade sanctions and identifies factors to consider when evaluating whether property may be the subject of a sham transaction. This advisory applies to financial institutions and parties engaged in international trade.

Counter Narcotics and Russia-Related Sanctions List Removals

OFAC removed entries from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List on March 31, 2026, including Mexican narcotics trafficker Luis Rodriguez Olivera (aka multiple aliases) previously designated under the Counter Narcotics Trafficking Kingpin (SDNTK) sanctions program. Russia-related designations were also removed under separate action.

US-Flag Vessel Fishery Endorsement Eligibility Information Collection Renewal

MARAD is seeking public comments on renewing OMB Control Number 2133-0530, an information collection used to determine if US-flag vessels of 100 feet or greater are owned and controlled by US citizens and eligible for fishery endorsements under the American Fisheries Act. Affected parties include vessel owners, charterers, mortgagees, and vessel managers who must submit comments by May 29, 2026.

Capital Construction Fund Information Collection Renewal

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comments on its intention to renew OMB Control Number 2133-0027 for the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) information collection. The CCF program assists U.S.-flag vessel owners and operators in accumulating capital for ship modernization through tax-deferred deposits. MARAD estimates 160 respondents with 2,160 total annual burden hours.

Coastwise Endorsement Determination for M/V Riptide

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is soliciting public comments on a coastwise endorsement determination request for the vessel M/V Riptide. Under 46 U.S.C. 12121(b), MARAD must determine whether the proposed coastwise use of this small passenger vessel (≤12 passengers for hire) would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses. Comments are due by April 29, 2026.

Float Glass Products From China and Malaysia; Determinations

The International Trade Commission published its final determination in Investigation Nos. 701-TA-748-749 and 731-TA-1726-1727 regarding float glass products from China and Malaysia. The Commission determined that the domestic industry is not materially injured by reason of imports of these products allegedly sold at less than fair value.

Semiconductor Devices Complaint - Public Interest Comments Solicitation

The International Trade Commission published a notice announcing receipt of a complaint alleging violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 concerning semiconductor devices. The ITC is soliciting written submissions from the public on the public interest factors specified in 19 U.S.C. 1337(d)(1) before determining whether to issue a general exclusion order or limited exclusion order.

Foreign-Trade Zone Production Activity - Stadler US Inc. Passenger Rolling Stock

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board published a notice that Stadler US Inc. submitted a notification of proposed production activity for its Salt Lake City facility within Subzone 30G. The company proposes to manufacture passenger rolling stock including commuter rail trains, power modules, and undercarriages using various foreign-status materials and components. Public comments are invited on this proposed activity.

New Exporting Producer Review Anti-Dumping Measures Iron Steel Fasteners

The European Commission initiated a New Exporting Producer Review under Case NEPT21-08 on 19 January 2026 concerning iron or steel fasteners. This review, conducted pursuant to Article 11(4) of the basic anti-dumping regulations, allows new exporting producers to request individual duty rates separate from the country-wide rate. Interested parties must submit questionnaire responses and relevant information to participate in the verification process.

EXIM loan guarantee, $100M+, comments due 24th Apr

EXIM loan guarantee, $100M+, comments due 24th Apr

2026 Tariff-Rate Quota Limits Under US-Australia Free Trade Agreement

The Office of the United States Trade Representative published the 2026 tariff-rate quota quantitative limits for goods originating in Australia under the US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. The Annex specifies quantitative limits including 71,695 metric tons for beef (price-based safeguard under U.S. note 8), 25,497,000 liters for dairy products (subheading 9822.04.05), and additional limits for other agricultural products under various HTSUS subheadings. These quantities apply to originating goods of Australia entered from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.