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EU Council Conclusions on WTO Reform and MC14

The Council of the EU has issued conclusions outlining its commitment to an open, fair, and rules-based multilateral trading system with a modernized WTO at its core. The conclusions emphasize the need for WTO reform, focusing on predictability, fairness, and flexibility, and support a work program to address trade challenges including industrial policies and digital trade.

EU-Armenia Summit Scheduled for May 2026

The European Council announced that the first-ever EU-Armenia summit will take place in Yerevan on May 4-5, 2026. The summit will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in connectivity, and will discuss regional peace, security, and global challenges.

Media Advisory for Eurogroup Meeting

The EU Council has issued a media advisory for an upcoming Eurogroup meeting on March 27, 2026. The meeting will include discussions on the impact of the Middle Eastern crisis on the EU economy and preparation for international meetings. A press conference will follow.

Nigeria-EU 8th Ministerial Dialogue Joint Communiqué

The European Union and Nigeria held their 8th Ministerial Dialogue on March 23, 2026, issuing a joint communiqué reaffirming their strategic partnership. The dialogue focused on advancing practical cooperation and deepening collaboration across areas of mutual concern.

Deputy Secretary Landau Meets with Bosnia and Herzegovina Chairman Bećirović

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's meeting with Bosnia and Herzegovina Chairman of the Presidency Denis Bećirović on March 26, 2026. The discussion focused on economic cooperation, specifically the Southern Interconnection gas pipeline.

US Launches $25 Million Effort for Relocated Ukrainian Children

The Department of State announced a new $25 million assistance program to support the identification, return, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children forcibly relocated to Russian-controlled territories. This initiative aims to aid their recovery and reintegration into their communities.

Secretary Rubio's Call with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of Secretary Rubio's call with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Barzani. The Secretary offered condolences for Peshmerga killed in an Iranian missile attack, condemned Iran's actions, and expressed gratitude for Kurdistan's role in oil exports.

Secretary Rubio Remarks to Press on March 26

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a press availability on March 26, 2026, discussing international relations, including potential G7 assistance in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. contributions to the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that his primary focus is serving the interests of the United States.

Secretary Rubio Discusses Iran Threats with Egyptian Foreign Minister

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of a call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on March 26, 2026. They discussed ongoing threats from the Iranian regime and reaffirmed the U.S.-Egypt partnership in mitigating Iran's destabilizing economic and security effects.

Secretary Rubio Discusses Regional Security with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of Secretary Rubio's call with Jordan's Foreign Minister Safadi on March 26, 2026. They discussed bilateral and regional issues, including Iranian attacks on Middle East infrastructure, with the Secretary condemning attacks on Jordan and thanking Jordan for its role in regional security.

UK Donates CHF 1.56 Million to WTO Development Programmes

The United Kingdom has donated approximately CHF 1.56 million to the WTO's Global Trust Fund and the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF). This contribution aims to enhance the capacity of developing economies to participate in the multilateral trading system and improve food safety and animal/plant health for safe trade.

Plastics Dialogue coordinators issue MC14 ministerial statement and technical package

WTO Plastics Dialogue coordinators presented a ministerial statement and a package of five technical documents at MC14. These documents reflect progress in addressing plastics pollution and outline a roadmap for trade-related cooperation, with 83 co-sponsors representing nearly 90% of global plastics trade.

China Pledges USD 1.1 Million for WTO Accession Support and LDCs

China has pledged USD 1.1 million in 2026 to support the WTO's Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme, as well as the general fund for WTO technical assistance. The contributions were confirmed through two memoranda of understanding signed on March 25th.

Parliamentarians and business call for WTO reform at MC14

At the opening of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), parliamentarians and business leaders presented documents calling for urgent reform of the multilateral trading system. Key calls include restoring the dispute settlement system, advancing digital trade, and renewing the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

WTO Members Showcase Investment Facilitation Agreement Progress

WTO members participating in the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement showcased implementation progress and urged its incorporation into the WTO legal framework at a high-level event. The Agreement, concluded in 2024, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency of investment procedures, particularly for developing economies.

14th WTO Ministerial Conference Opens Amidst Global Crisis

The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) has opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with calls to reinvigorate the organization amidst global trade disruptions. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed hope that ministers would find political will to address challenges and advance key agenda items, including the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.

Trade Remedies Notice: Registration of Rutile Titanium Dioxide Imports from China

The UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade has issued a notice requiring the registration of imports of rutile titanium dioxide originating from China. This action is taken under the Taxation (Cross-border Trade) Act 2018 and mandates registration for these specific imports.

USITC institutes 337 investigation of NAND, DRAM memory chips

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into certain NAND and DRAM memory chips. The investigation follows a complaint alleging infringement of patents related to imported memory chips, with specific respondents identified. The USITC will determine if violations of section 337 have occurred.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain TOPCon Solar Cells

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation into alleged patent infringement concerning certain TOPCon solar cells, modules, panels, and related products. The investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by First Solar, Inc. against multiple domestic and international respondents.

USMCA Labor Mechanism Dispute Settlement Roster Applications Invited

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is inviting applications from eligible individuals to serve on specialized labor dispute settlement panels under the USMCA. Applications must be received by April 27, 2026, and are to be submitted through Regulations.gov.

ITC Investigation on Hydrodermabrasion Systems - Violation Found

The U.S. International Trade Commission has determined a violation of section 337 occurred regarding hydrodermabrasion systems. While a limited exclusion order and cease and desist order were considered, their issuance is suspended due to patent expiration and a zero percent bond. The investigation is terminated.

ITC Finds Material Injury from Erythritol Imports from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that imports of erythritol from China, found by the Department of Commerce to be subsidized and sold at less than fair value, are causing material injury to the U.S. industry. This determination imposes duties on these imports.

Aluminum printing plates from China and Japan: Remand proceedings notice

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice of remand proceedings concerning its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of aluminum lithographic printing plates from China and Japan. This notice outlines the procedures for complying with a court order to reconsider specific aspects of the original determination, including the definition of the domestic industry and the treatment of related parties.

ITC Expedited Reviews for Citric Acid and Citrate Salts from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has scheduled expedited reviews to determine if revoking antidumping and countervailing duty orders on citric acid and citrate salts from China would likely lead to material injury. The Commission found the domestic party response adequate and the respondent response inadequate, necessitating expedited reviews.

Plywood Duty Investigations: Final Phase Scheduling

The U.S. International Trade Commission has scheduled the final phase of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. These investigations will determine if imports materially injure U.S. industries.

China Revises Arbitration Law for Foreign-Related Arbitration

China's revised Arbitration Law, effective March 1, 2026, modernizes domestic and foreign-related arbitration. Key changes include recognizing online arbitration, imposing arbitrator disclosure obligations, and aligning foreign-related arbitration with international norms, such as adopting the concept of the seat of arbitration and permitting offshore institutions to administer cases in designated regions.

Federal Contractors Face Tightening Domestic Content Rules

Federal contractors must prepare for increased domestic content requirements under the Buy American Act, Build America, Buy America Act, and Trade Agreements Act. Thresholds are rising, with a significant increase to 75% domestic content due in 2029, and noncompliance risks substantial penalties under the False Claims Act.

DOJ Declines Prosecution of Medical Device Firm Under New CEP

The DOJ announced its first declination under the new Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy (CEP) in an FCPA matter involving Balt SAS, a medical device company. Balt SAS will disgorge approximately $1.2 million in profits tied to alleged foreign bribery. This declination highlights the DOJ's continued emphasis on voluntary self-disclosure, cooperation, and remediation.

FCC Prohibits New Foreign-Made Consumer Routers

The FCC has banned the importation, marketing, and sale of new models of foreign-produced consumer routers due to supply chain vulnerabilities and cybersecurity risks. This action adds these routers to the FCC's Covered List, regardless of their country of origin.

FTC Enforcement Scrutiny of "Made in America" Claims

The FCC has issued a new executive order directing increased scrutiny of "Made in America" claims by manufacturers and government contractors. The order prioritizes FTC enforcement actions and considers new regulations for online marketplaces to verify country-of-origin claims, with potential penalties for misrepresentations.

OFAC Issues Broad Authorizations for Dealings with PdVSA

The U.S. Department of Treasury's OFAC issued General License 52, broadly authorizing established U.S. entities to engage in transactions with Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) and its subsidiaries. This license permits activities such as oil trading, new investment, and joint ventures, while maintaining specific restrictions.

Investor Challenges Canadian Sanctions via Arbitration

Moldovan billionaire Igor Viktorovich Makarov has initiated an arbitration claim against Canada at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Makarov alleges that Canadian sanctions imposed on him have nullified his investment value and seeks damages, marking one of the first instances of an individual using an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism to challenge sanctions.

Department of State Launches Pax Silica Fund

The U.S. Department of State announced the launch of the Pax Silica Fund, allocating $250 million in foreign assistance to support critical minerals extraction, processing, and manufacturing for semiconductor supply chains. The initiative aims to catalyze private and sovereign wealth investment, totaling over $1 trillion in assets, to enhance supply chain security and create commercial opportunities for trusted companies.

OFAC Rescinds Belarus Directive 1 and Issues General License 14

OFAC has rescinded Belarus Directive 1, which previously prohibited certain transactions with the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Belarus and the Development Bank of the Republic of Belarus. Concurrently, OFAC issued Belarus General License 14, authorizing transactions involving Belarussian Bank of Development and Reconstruction Belinvestbank Joint Stock Company and certain additional entities. Belarus General License 13 was archived due to SDN removals.

CBSA: Excise Duty Rates Update for Alcohol and Tobacco

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced an update to excise duty rates for alcohol and tobacco products, effective April 1, 2026. These changes will be reflected in the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) system.

Commerce Final Affirmative CVD Determination for Steel Bar from Algeria

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced its final affirmative determination in the countervailing duty investigation of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Algeria. The investigation found subsidy rates of 72.94% for Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA and all other exporters, impacting significant import volumes and values.

Aluminum Lithographic Printing Plates from China and Japan - Final Remand Notice

The International Trade Commission has issued a notice regarding aluminum lithographic printing plates from China and Japan. This notice pertains to final remand investigations, specifically Investigation Nos. 701-TA-694 and 731-TA-1641-1642.

Citric acid and citrate salts from China: Expedited five-year reviews scheduled

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has scheduled expedited five-year reviews concerning imports of citric acid and certain citrate salts from China. These reviews are part of the standard process to determine if existing trade remedy orders should be continued.

International Trade Commission: Hydrodermabrasion Systems Violate Section 337

The International Trade Commission has issued a final determination finding that certain hydrodermabrasion systems and components violate Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. This determination leads to the issuance and suspension of a limited exclusion order and a cease and desist order.

Erythritol from China - Determinations Published

The International Trade Commission published a notice regarding final determinations for Erythritol from China. This notice is part of investigation numbers 701-TA-751 and 731-TA-1729.

Plywood Trade Investigations: China, Indonesia, Vietnam Final Phase Scheduling

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued a notice scheduling the final phase of countervailing duty and antidumping duty investigations concerning hardwood and decorative plywood from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This notice outlines the procedural steps and timelines for the upcoming final determination.

FTZ 81 Proposed Production Activity for Hypertherm Inc

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has published a notice regarding a proposed production activity for Hypertherm Inc. at its facilities in Hanover and Lebanon, New Hampshire. The proposal involves specific plasma cutting equipment and components, with public comment invited.

FTZ 164: Webco Industries Proposed Steel Tubing Production Activity

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has published a notification regarding proposed production activity by Webco Industries, Inc. within FTZ 164 in Kellyville, Oklahoma. The proposal involves the production of steel tubing using specific foreign-status materials.

USMCA Labor Mechanism Dispute Settlement Roster Application Invitation

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is inviting applications for inclusion on the facility-specific rapid response labor mechanism dispute settlement roster under the USMCA. Eligible individuals, including U.S. citizens and nationals of other countries, are encouraged to apply by April 27, 2026.

EU Selects Lille to Host New Customs Authority

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have selected Lille, France, as the host city for the new European Union customs authority (EUCA). This authority, expected to have 250 staff, will coordinate national customs activities to reform the EU's customs framework in response to increased trade flows and e-commerce.

President Costa's Report on Geopolitical Instability and Economic Agenda

President António Costa delivered a report to the European Parliament outlining the EU's ambitious economic agenda amidst geopolitical instability. The report details the 'One Europe, One Market' agenda, focusing on completing the single market, improving professional qualifications, and enhancing strategic autonomy, with key targets set for 2026 and 2027.

China Round Table Highlights WTO Accession Benefits for Domestic Reform

The WTO held its 14th China Round Table on WTO Accessions, highlighting how accession fosters domestic reform and development, particularly for African countries. Director-General Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the continued importance of international cooperation and the WTO's role in rules-based trade.

WTO MC14 Event: Scaling Up Support for Trade in Services for Development

At an event preceding the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, ministers emphasized the importance of the Trade in Services for Development (TS4D) initiative. The WTO Director-General called for increased international partnerships to boost support for developing members, highlighting the transformative potential of services trade for development.

WTO Event Boosts Women Traders' Access to Markets Ahead of MC14

The WTO held a high-level event in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to mark progress in empowering women traders and enhancing their access to international markets. The event highlighted initiatives like the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, which is disbursing US$1.7 million in grants to women-led businesses.

EIF Launches New Phase for LDC Trade Partnerships

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) has launched its third phase, aiming to support trade and investment priorities in least-developed countries (LDCs). The launch event, held during the WTO Ministerial Conference, saw new contribution pledges from several countries, including Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.