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European Council President Costa to Visit Baku

The European Council announced that President Costa will visit Baku on March 11 for high-level meetings with Azerbaijani officials. Discussions will focus on energy cooperation and the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, highlighting Azerbaijan's strategic importance to the EU.

President's Weekly Schedule

The European Council has published the weekly schedule for President António Costa for March 9-11, 2026. The schedule includes a video conference with Middle East leaders, a speech at the Annual Ambassadors Conference, and an official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan.

OFAC Removes Russia-Related Entity from SDN List

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed GLOBE TREKKERS LLC from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. This action is a designation removal under Executive Order 14024, with a related license issued for the United Arab Emirates.

USITC Continues Investigations on Citric Acid from Canada and India

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has voted to continue investigations into citric acid and certain citrate salts imported from Canada and India. The USITC found a reasonable indication that U.S. industries are materially injured by these imports, which are allegedly sold below fair value and subsidized by their governments.

US and Mexico Launch USMCA Joint Review Discussions

The United States and Mexico have initiated the joint review process for the USMCA. Discussions will focus on reducing regional dependence, strengthening rules of origin, and enhancing supply chain security. Negotiators are scheduled to hold their first meeting the week of March 16, 2026.

CBAM Certificate Price Publication Schedule and Tender Deadline

The European Commission has announced the publication schedule for the first Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) certificate prices, which will be based on EU ETS auction clearing prices for 2026. Importers will need to purchase these certificates starting February 2027. A call for tenders for the Common Central Platform has also been issued, with offers due by March 20, 2026.

OFAC Venezuela Removals and Russia General License Update

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed certain entities and vessels from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List related to Venezuela. Additionally, OFAC issued an amended Russia-related General License 129A, authorizing certain transactions involving Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH.

OFAC Issues Russia Oil License and Amends Venezuela Oil FAQ

The US Department of the Treasury's OFAC has issued Russia-related General License 133, authorizing the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil loaded on vessels as of March 5, 2026, to India. OFAC also amended a Venezuela-related FAQ concerning the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba.

EU Commission Updates Training for Customs and Tax Professionals

The European Commission has introduced a new training course for SMEs and tax officials on the Special Scheme for Small Enterprises, effective January 1, 2025. Additionally, the SAMANCTA training program for customs professionals has been updated. Both resources are available on the EU Learning Portal.

CBAM Common Central Platform Services Call for Tender

The European Commission has published a call for tender for services related to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Common Central Platform (CCP). Interested economic operators must submit their offers by 20 March 2026. The CCP will be operational from 1 February 2027.