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EU Maritime and Ports Strategies Adopted

The European Commission adopted the EU Industrial Maritime Strategy and EU Ports Strategy on March 4, 2026. These initiatives aim to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of the EU's maritime ecosystem, covering shipbuilding, shipping, port infrastructure, and maritime technologies. They signal both business opportunities and increased regulatory scrutiny for maritime and infrastructure investors.

Ocean Carriers Add Fuel Surcharges Due to Middle East Disruptions

Major ocean carriers are implementing Emergency Fuel Surcharges (EFS) due to Middle East disruptions and increased routing costs. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) requires carriers to provide 30 days' notice for such surcharges, making enforceability dependent on proper filing and effective dates.

Global Antitrust Fines Rose to $7.7B in 2025

Global antitrust fines reached $7.7 billion in 2025, the highest since 2021, driven by a few major cases, while the total number of infringement decisions fell. Enforcement is increasingly shaped by geopolitical and national security priorities, with a focus on sectors impacting the cost of living.

CIT and CBP Outline IEEPA Tariffs Recovery Process

The Court of International Trade (CIT) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are outlining a process for importers to recover unlawful IEEPA tariffs. This guidance suggests importers may not need to file protests on all entries immediately, potentially reducing recovery costs. Importers are advised to update their ACE accounts and prepare for potential protest filings.

Trump Administration Establishes $20B Reinsurance Facility for Persian Gulf Shipping

The Trump administration has established a $20 billion reinsurance facility through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support private insurers providing coverage for maritime shipping in the Persian Gulf. This initiative aims to reduce war risk premiums and ensure the free flow of energy commodities.

EC Consultation on Private Equity Exit Obstacles

The European Commission has launched a consultation seeking feedback on obstacles faced by private equity investors when exiting investments in EU private companies. The consultation aims to improve access to finance for EU start-ups and scale-ups and will inform potential future regulatory or policy actions.

Germany Updates Product Liability Law

Germany's Bundestag has begun reviewing a draft act to modernize its Product Liability Act, transposing an EU directive. The reform aims to update the law for digital products, AI, and global supply chains, with an expected entry into force by December 9, 2026.

ESMA Final Draft RTS on Margin Transparency and Clearing Costs

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published final draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on margin transparency requirements and clearing costs under EMIR 3. These drafts aim to improve transparency for clearing participants regarding margin calls and clearing fees.

Treasury Roadmap for Countering Illicit Finance in Digital Assets

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a report to Congress outlining innovative technologies to counter illicit finance involving digital assets, as required by the GENIUS Act. The report assesses risks and proposes a technology and policy roadmap, while recommending Congress enact legislation to clarify rules for digital asset service providers and traditional financial institutions.

OFAC Sanctions Risks and Cartel Designations

OFAC has settled a $1.7 million case with IMG Academy for sanctions violations related to cartel-linked entities. This highlights increased compliance risks for entities with international touchpoints due to heightened cartel designations and sanctions enforcement.