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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.

Secretary Rubio Discusses Iran Conflict with Norwegian Prime Minister Store

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on March 25, 2026, to discuss the ongoing conflict in Iran and efforts to maintain international pressure on the Iranian regime. The Secretary also thanked Norway for its support following the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Oslo.

Bangladesh National Day Observed by State Department

The U.S. Department of State, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issued a press statement congratulating Bangladesh on its Independence Day. The statement reaffirms the U.S. commitment to its partnership with Bangladesh and looks forward to strengthening economic and security ties.

OFAC Authorizes Venezuela's PdVSA for Oil Trading and Investment

On March 18, 2026, OFAC issued General License 52, authorizing established U.S. entities to engage in transactions with Venezuela's PdVSA, including oil trading and new investments. The license maintains significant restrictions and was accompanied by clarifying FAQs.

USITC Determines Steel Bar Reviews, Continues Mexico Review, Revokes Turkey Order

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty order on steel concrete reinforcing bar from Turkey and the antidumping duty order from Mexico would likely lead to material injury. As a result, these orders will remain in place.

ITC Five-Year Review: Fluid End Blocks from China, India, Italy

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has initiated five-year reviews to determine if revoking countervailing duty and antidumping duty orders on fluid end blocks from China, India, Germany, and Italy would likely lead to material injury. The Commission found respondent responses from China, India, and Italy inadequate but will proceed with full reviews for administrative efficiency, alongside full reviews for Germany.

EU FDI Screening Regulation Revisions and Industrial Accelerator Act

The EU has provisionally agreed on revisions to its FDI Screening Regulation, expanding the list of critical sectors subject to mandatory screening, including dual-use items, strategic technologies like AI and semiconductors, critical raw materials, and certain financial entities. These changes aim to enhance economic security and reduce strategic dependencies across Member States.

Mexico Value Manifest Update and Trade Investigations

This notice discusses updates regarding Mexico's Value Manifest requirements and touches upon Section 301/232 investigations. It highlights topics relevant to international trade, particularly for importers and exporters dealing with Mexican customs regulations.

CBP Refund System Progress Update

A March 19, 2026 hearing provided an update on U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) progress in developing a centralized system for refunding unlawfully collected IEEPA tariffs. While progress was noted, key operational questions remain, and CBP did not commit to a firm refund start date.

Turkey KKDIK Clarifies Temporary Chemical Registration

The Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change has clarified temporary registration pathways under the KKDIK chemical regulation. Companies must complete a registration by September 30, 2026, with tiered deadlines for full registration based on tonnage bands extending to December 31, 2030.

Jones Act Waivers and Other Applicable US Laws for Foreign Vessels

A notice from K&L Gates LLP discusses the implications of a recent 60-day Jones Act waiver allowing foreign vessels to transport goods domestically. The waiver, issued under national defense interests, raises questions about the applicability of other US laws, including tax, labor, and employee protection laws, to these foreign vessels.

Supreme Court Orders IEEPA Tariff Refunds

The Supreme Court has ordered refunds for tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), impacting goods from Canada, Mexico, China, Brazil, and India. The Court of International Trade directed CBP to begin refunding duties plus interest to importers of record.

Supreme Court Voids Tariffs, Impacting Construction Industry Refunds

The Supreme Court voided tariffs imposed by President Trump under IEEPA on February 20, 2026. This ruling impacts the construction industry by potentially allowing for refunds of paid tariffs, though eligibility is complex and time-sensitive. The decision also raises questions about future tariff volatility and contract negotiation.

Refunds for $165B IEEPA Duties Ordered After Supreme Court Ruling

Following a Supreme Court ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize tariffs, the U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refund approximately $165 billion in unlawfully collected duties. CBP is developing a new system, CAPE, to process these refunds.

BIS Imposes $1.45M Penalties for Export Control Violations

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced two settlements totaling $1.45 million in civil penalties for export control violations. Vizocom was fined $374,474 for exporting technical data to China, and Teledyne FLIR was fined $1 million for multiple EAR violations involving exports to China and Hong Kong.

US Department of State Celebrates Greece National Day

The U.S. Department of State, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, issued a statement congratulating Greece on its National Day. The statement highlighted shared democratic ideals, NATO alliance cooperation, and commitment to deepening commercial ties, particularly in energy.

CBSA: Import Permits Required for Bat Specimens

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding importers that all bat specimens require an import permit from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) before shipment arrival. This notice reiterates the requirements under the Health of Animals Regulations and highlights potential public health risks associated with bat imports.

CBSA Expiry Review Determination for Oil Country Tubular Goods from China

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has determined that the expiry of its order concerning oil country tubular goods from China is likely to result in the continuation or resumption of dumping and subsidizing. This determination follows an expiry review investigation initiated by the Canadian International Trade Tribunal.

Fluid End Blocks from China, Germany, India, Italy: Five-Year Reviews

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has published a notice to conduct full five-year reviews for fluid end blocks originating from China, Germany, India, and Italy. These reviews will determine if existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders should be continued.

BIS Imposes Administrative Penalty on Exyte Management GmbH

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has imposed an administrative penalty on Exyte Management GmbH. This action stems from violations related to export control regulations. The specific details of the penalty and the violations are outlined in an accompanying order.

Pacific Halibut Fisheries of the West Coast; Annual Management Measures for 2026

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a proposed rule detailing the annual management measures for the 2026 directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery along the West Coast. This proposal outlines specific measures for Area 2A of the fishery.

Pacific Halibut Fisheries West Coast 2026 Catch Sharing Plan

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has published a proposed rule concerning the 2026 Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan and recreational fishery management measures for the West Coast. The proposal includes specific management measures and a comment period for public input.

Fisheries Reporting Rules Clarified for Charter Vessels and Headboats

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a final rule clarifying reporting requirements for federally permitted charter vessels and headboats operating in Gulf of America fisheries. This rule aims to improve data accuracy and compliance with existing regulations.

Marine Mammal Takes Authorized for Unalaska Harbor Floats Replacement Project

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a notice authorizing the incidental taking of marine mammals for the Robert Storrs Harbor Floats A&B Replacement Project in Unalaska, Alaska. This notice outlines the conditions under which these takes are permitted and establishes a comment period for public input.

Pacific Halibut Fisheries 2026 Catch Sharing Plan Measures

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has published the 2026 annual management measures for the Pacific Halibut fishery's catch sharing plan. These measures, effective March 12, 2026, establish the allowable catch limits and allocation schemes for the upcoming fishing season.

Citric Acid and Citrate Salts Investigations Postponed

The International Trade Administration has postponed the preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigations concerning citric acid and certain citrate salts from Canada and India. This notice announces the delay of the initial findings in these trade remedy proceedings.

High Purity Dissolving Pulp from Brazil: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a preliminary affirmative determination that high purity dissolving pulp from Brazil is being sold in the United States at less than fair value and is subsidized by the Brazilian government. This determination aligns the final determination with the final antidumping duty determination.

Steel Products from China: Circumvention Inquiry Initiation

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has initiated a circumvention inquiry into certain corrosion-resistant steel products from the People's Republic of China. This inquiry will determine if these products are circumventing existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders.

Steel Welded Wire Mesh from Mexico: Circumvention Determination

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a final affirmative determination of circumvention regarding steel welded wire mesh from Mexico. This determination means that certain imports from Mexico are circumventing existing trade remedies, potentially leading to new duties or restrictions.

Initiation of Circumvention Inquiry on Steel Products from Vietnam

The International Trade Administration (ITA) has initiated a circumvention inquiry into corrosion-resistant steel products from Vietnam. This inquiry will determine if these products are circumventing existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders.

Nashoba Valley Viticultural Area Established

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has established the approximately 18,367-acre "Nashoba Valley" American viticultural area (AVA) in Worcester County, Massachusetts. This final rule is effective April 23, 2026, and aims to help vintners better describe wine origins and consumers identify wines.

Proposed Viticultural Area: Champlain Valley of Vermont

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is proposing to establish a new American viticultural area (AVA) named "Champlain Valley of Vermont." This designation would allow vintners to better identify the origin of their wines, and consumers to identify wines based on their geographic origin. The TTB is seeking public comments on this proposal.

Nine Lakes of East Tennessee Viticultural Area Established

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has established the "Nine Lakes of East Tennessee" American viticultural area (AVA) in northeastern Tennessee. This final rule designates a new region for wine origin labeling, allowing vintners to better describe the source of their wines and consumers to identify them.

António Costa Speech on International Affairs at SciencesPo

European Council President António Costa delivered a speech at SciencesPo discussing the current state of international affairs, characterized by growing disorder and a shift towards multipolarity. He outlined the European Union's role in this context, emphasizing principles, partnerships, and power.

Press Briefing Advisory for Eurogroup Meeting

The EU Council has issued a media advisory for a press briefing preceding the Eurogroup meeting on March 27, 2026. The briefing, scheduled for March 25, 2026, will be 'off the record' and requires pre-registration for journalists by March 25, 2026, at 13:30.

Press Briefing for Agriculture and Fisheries Council

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for a press briefing concerning the upcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on March 30, 2026. The briefing will be held in a hybrid format on March 26, 2026, with a registration deadline of 10:00 on the same day.

WTO Academic Conference on Trade Reform in Cameroon

The WTO Chairs Programme held an academic conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on March 19-20, 2026, to discuss reforms to the multilateral trading system from an African perspective. The event brought together academic chairs, experts, and stakeholders to explore trade and development opportunities for the continent.

OFAC Issues General Licenses for PdVSA Transactions

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued two new general licenses authorizing most previously prohibited transactions involving Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA) and its entities, as well as further transactions related to a specific PdVSA bond. These licenses represent a significant shift from previous, more narrowly focused authorizations.

ITC Schedules Five-Year Reviews for Oil Country Tubular Goods

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has scheduled full five-year reviews to determine if revoking duty orders on oil country tubular goods from India, Turkey, South Korea, Ukraine, and Vietnam would likely lead to material injury. The Commission has extended the review period by up to 90 days.

ITC Rules on PET Film Imports from India, China, Taiwan, UAE

The International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that revoking the countervailing duty order on PET film from India and antidumping duty orders on PET film from China, India, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates would likely lead to material injury to the U.S. industry. This decision upholds existing trade remedy measures.

Remote Access Security Act Expands US Export Controls on Cloud Services

The House of Representatives passed the Remote Access Security Act (RASA), which would expand the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) authority to regulate remote access to export-controlled items via cloud services. This legislation aims to close a perceived loophole in current US export control regulations.

CBP Outlines IEEPA Duty Refund Framework via CAPE System

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided details on its framework for refunding duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) via the CAPE system in ACE. This follows a Supreme Court decision that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. The CIT has suspended immediate compliance pending the development of this administrative refund process.

Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs, Increasing Enforcement Risk

The Supreme Court has struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creating refund opportunities for importers. However, this ruling increases enforcement risk, as refund claims will trigger scrutiny of past classifications, valuations, and disclosures, potentially leading to False Claims Act and securities law violations.

Investor-State Arbitration Over Russian Sanctions

Moldovan billionaire Igor Viktorovich Makarov has filed a C$350 million claim against Canada with the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). The claim arises from sanctions imposed on Makarov, which he alleges destroyed the value of his investment in Spartan Delta, a Canadian company.

IRS Notice 2026-15: Material Assistance Under Foreign Entity of Concern Rules

The IRS issued Notice 2026-15, providing interim guidance on calculating material assistance costs for clean energy tax credits under new Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) rules. The notice details the Material Assistance Cost Ratio methodology and offers three safe harbors, but leaves open questions regarding 'effective control' triggers for Prohibited Foreign Entities.

UK REACH SVHC Candidate List Alignment with EU

The UK government has announced a new strategic approach to adding Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the UK REACH Candidate List, aligning more closely with the EU's approach. This involves a consultation on adding 15 SVHCs, with further additions expected.

Tariff Refund Lawsuits Against Retailers Following Supreme Court Decision

Following a Supreme Court decision ordering tariff refunds, multiple class action lawsuits have been filed against retailers and consumer goods companies. These suits allege that companies seeking refunds for tariffs they passed on to consumers are poised to obtain an improper 'double recovery.' The article advises companies that passed tariff costs to consumers and are now seeking refunds to conduct an urgent legal review.

CIT Amends Order on IEEPA Tariff Refunds for Brazil and India

The Court of International Trade (CIT) amended its March 4 Order to clarify that it applies to all duties imposed under IEEPA, including those on Brazil and India. The court emphasized importers should be aware of protest remedies available under 19 U.S.C. § 1514.

China's New Trade Secret Protection Rules

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has issued new Provisions on the Protection of Trade Secrets, effective June 1, 2026. These replace 1995 rules and significantly expand the scope of protectable information, including technical data like AI datasets and commercial data such as customer information, aligning protection with the digital economy.

OFAC Venezuela General License 53

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued Venezuela-related General License 53, titled 'Official Missions of the Government of Venezuela to the United States.' This license authorizes specific activities related to official Venezuelan missions in the US.