Uzbekistan Commits to WTO Accession in 2026

Uzbekistan has reaffirmed its commitment to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by the end of 2026. The Working Party on the Accession of Uzbekistan met on March 9, 2026, to discuss progress, with members commending the country's reforms and nearing conclusion of bilateral market access negotiations.

WTO DG Updates Members on 14th Ministerial Conference Preparations

The WTO Director-General provided an update on final preparations for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) in Yaound?, Cameroon, scheduled for March 26-29, 2026. Members are nearing agreement on texts for ministerial consideration, including discussions on WTO reform.

WTO Members Review SPS Trade Concerns and Transparency Challenges

WTO members reviewed a record 76 sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) trade concerns, including issues related to food additives, animal diseases, and pesticide residues. The Committee on SPS Measures also discussed challenges and potential solutions for improving the transparency of SPS requirements and notifications.

WTO Technical Assistance Programmes Launch

The WTO launched its 2026 technical assistance programmes, the French Irish Mission Programme (FIMiP) and the Netherlands Talent Programme (NTP). These programmes will provide training to 34 government officials from developing and least-developed WTO members over ten months.

WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme Applications Open for 2026

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has opened applications for its 2026 Young Trade Leaders Programme. This initiative aims to engage young individuals interested in international trade, offering them training and networking opportunities.

U.S.-Mongolia Annual Bilateral Consultation Joint Statement

The United States and Mongolia held their 17th Annual Bilateral Consultations on March 17, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar. The joint statement outlines continued cooperation on peace, security, economic development, energy, digital technologies, and people-to-people ties, reaffirming their Strategic Third Neighbor Partnership.

US Candidates Campaign Launch at International Telecommunication Union

The U.S. Department of State announced the official campaign launch for U.S. candidates seeking positions within the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This includes re-election bids for Doreen Bogdan-Martin as Secretary-General and the U.S. for the ITU Council, as well as the election of Jennifer Warren to the Radio Regulations Board.

Secretary Rubio's Call with UAE Deputy Prime Minister

The U.S. Department of State issued a readout of a call between Secretary Rubio and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The call reaffirmed U.S. commitment to the security of the UAE and expressed condolences for recent attacks.

Deputy Secretary Landau Discusses Pacific Interests with Nauruan President Adeang

The U.S. Department of State issued a notice regarding a call between Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau and Nauruan President David Adeang. They discussed cooperation on preventing illegal activities, economic investment opportunities including deep seabed mining, and migration.

Sweden Joins Pax Silica Initiative for Tech Supply Chains

The U.S. Department of State announced that Sweden has signed the Pax Silica Declaration, becoming the twelfth member of the initiative. This partnership aims to secure global technology supply chains and address AI-related opportunities and vulnerabilities.

Canadian International Trade Tribunal Initiates Inquiries and Reviews Cases

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry (PI-2025-010) concerning unarmoured building cables from China. The Tribunal also reviewed and continued orders related to photovoltaic modules and laminates, and carbon steel screws from China and Chinese Taipei, with amendments.

CITT Amends Order on Photovoltaic Modules from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal has amended its order concerning photovoltaic modules and laminates from China. The amendment excludes specific flexible photovoltaic modules used in vehicles from the order.

CITT Safeguard Inquiry for Vegetable Goods

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has initiated a safeguard inquiry into the importation of certain vegetable goods. The inquiry will determine if increased imports are causing serious injury to Canadian producers and will consider potential remedies, with a report due by September 9, 2026.

CITT Initiates Inquiry on Unarmoured Building Cables from China

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) has initiated a preliminary injury inquiry into unarmoured building cables from China, following a complaint of dumping and subsidizing. The inquiry, PI-2025-010, is conducted under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA). The CITT will determine by May 15, 2026, if there is a reasonable indication of injury.

IURC Inquiry on Energy Affordability for Five Utilities

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) will conduct an investigative inquiry on energy affordability for five major electric investor-owned utilities. The inquiry aims to understand drivers of energy costs and explore solutions, with a subsequent phase involving public listening sessions.

FSIS Notice: Public Health Information System Renewal

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a notice announcing its intention to renew the Public Health Information System (PHIS) information collection. The agency is making no changes to the current system and is seeking public comments on the renewal.

Union Pacific Railroad Construction and Operation Exemption in Maricopa County, Arizona

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has issued a notice regarding an exemption for Union Pacific Railroad Company to construct and operate a rail line in Maricopa County, Arizona. This notice pertains to Docket No. FD 36501 and was published on March 17, 2026.

EU Expiry Review of Glass Fibre Products from China

The European Commission has initiated an expiry review for continuous filament glass fibre products originating from the People's Republic of China. This investigation will determine whether existing trade measures should be maintained. Interested parties are invited to submit comments and questionnaires.

EU Tinplate Investigation from China - New Exporting Producer Treatment

The European Commission has initiated an investigation into tinplate originating from the People's Republic of China, specifically concerning new exporting producer treatment. This investigation, case NEPT24-02, will assess potential trade remedies and involves a review of existing procedures.

EU Initiates Partial Interim Review of Aluminium Flat-Rolled Products from China

The European Commission has initiated a partial interim review concerning aluminium flat-rolled products originating from the People's Republic of China. This investigation is a partial interim review, with key dates for verification visits, provisional measures, and definitive measures outlined.

EU Investigation into Copper Tubes from China, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Mexico

The European Commission has initiated an investigation into copper tubes originating from China, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Mexico. The investigation aims to determine if these imports are being dumped or subsidized, potentially leading to provisional measures by November 2026.

EU Initiates Investigation into Acrylic Esters

The European Commission has initiated an investigation into acrylic esters originating from China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States. This investigation is part of the EU's ongoing trade remedy procedures and will involve several stages, including verification visits and potential provisional measures.

ASIC Launches Interactive Dashboard for Financial Complaints Data

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has launched a new interactive dashboard providing unprecedented access to consumer complaints data. The dashboard allows users to compare complaints reported by individual financial firms, enhancing transparency and accountability within the financial services industry.

UK Revokes Countervailing Duties on Egyptian Glass Fibre Imports

The UK government has accepted the Trade Remedies Authority's recommendation to revoke countervailing duties on imports of continuous filament glass fibre products from Egypt. This decision, effective from June 26, 2025, follows an investigation that found no current UK production industry to be harmed by these imports.

TRA Investigates Chinese Imports of Titanium Dioxide

The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of rutile titanium dioxide from China. Businesses affected by this investigation can register by March 17, 2026.

Beadell v. Eros Mgt. Realty LLC - Duty of Care to Suicidal Guest

The New York Court of Appeals addressed whether a hotel assumed a duty of care to a suicidal guest by agreeing to family requests to check on him and call for emergency assistance. The court held that the duty was not assumed under the circumstances presented.

People v. Shaw - New York Court of Appeals Opinion

The New York Court of Appeals issued an opinion in People v. Shaw, concerning a defendant convicted of murder and weapons charges. The court remitted the matter to the Appellate Division for further review of a specific count, finding a potential violation of Payton v. New York regarding the arrest and subsequent search.

People v. Tyson - Court Opinion on Pre-Indictment Delay

The New York Court of Appeals reversed lower court decisions, finding that a 14-month pre-indictment delay did not violate the defendant's due process rights in the case of People v. Tyson. The court determined that the delay was reasonable given the circumstances of the alleged assault on a corrections officer.

Gonzalez v. Northeast Parent & Child Society - Workers' Compensation Legal Fees

The New York Court of Appeals ruled that the Workers' Compensation Board cannot approve legal fees based on charges against an employer or insurance carrier for untimely compensation payments under WCL § 25 (1) (e) and (3) (f). The decision clarifies the scope of WCL § 24 (2) regarding the Board's authority to approve legal fees.

People v. Curry - Criminal Procedure Opinion

The New York Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's decision to revoke Eugene Curry's probation. The court found that the probationary period had expired because a declaration of delinquency was never filed, which is the exclusive mechanism to toll probation. This ruling impacts how probation terms are managed and enforced in New York.

People v. Bender - Court Opinion

The New York Court of Appeals issued an opinion in the case of People v. Bender, decided on March 17, 2026. The court affirmed the conviction for reckless endangerment in the first degree, finding the evidence legally sufficient and the trial court's preclusion of psychiatric evidence not an abuse of discretion.

People v. Gaffney - Court Opinion

The New York Court of Appeals affirmed an Appellate Division order in the case of People v. Gaffney. The court found that the defendant's attorney had a legitimate strategic reason for not objecting to a repugnant jury verdict, thus affirming the lower court's decision.

People v. Jones - Court Opinion

The New York Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's decision in People v. Jones, ruling that evidence (firearms and narcotics) should have been suppressed. The court found no justification for the parole investigators' pursuit of the defendant, leading to the reversal of his conviction for attempted criminal possession of a weapon.

Ezee Fiber Telecommunications Registration Case Closed

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has closed the registration case for Ezee Fiber Washington Assets, LLC (DBA Ezee Fiber). The case, UT-260146, involved a petition for registration and competitive classification.

Ayala-Ventura v. Superior Court - Arbitration Agreement Dispute

The California Court of Appeal denied a petition for writ of mandate in Ayala-Ventura v. Superior Court, upholding a lower court's order to compel arbitration of an employee's wage and hour claims. The court found the arbitration agreement was not unconscionable.

People v. Serrano - Criminal Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Three, filed a non-precedential opinion in the case of People v. Serrano on March 17, 2026. The court affirmed the judgment against the defendant, Cesar Ernesto Serrano, Jr., who was convicted of sex offenses.

People v. Markhasev - Appeal of Resentencing Denial

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four, issued a non-precedential opinion in People v. Markhasev. The court dismissed the appeal from a postjudgment order declining to act on the defendant's petition for resentencing under Penal Code section 1172.1.

People v. Jones - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, ruled in People v. Jones that a defendant incarcerated in another county cannot willfully fail to appear for a sentencing hearing. The court reversed a four-year prison sentence imposed on Freland Brian Jones for violating his plea agreement's condition to appear for sentencing, finding his failure to appear was not willful as he was in jail.

Stiver v. Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula - Whistleblower Retaliation Lawsuit

The California Court of Appeal is reviewing a whistleblower retaliation lawsuit filed by Jared Stiver against Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula and Montage Health. The jury initially found in favor of Stiver, awarding damages and punitive damages, but a new trial was ordered on specific liability issues for Montage.

People v. Huynh - Appeal of Resentencing Denial

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, has dismissed an appeal filed by Jonathan Huynh concerning the denial of his request for resentencing under Penal Code section 1172.1. The court found the order denying resentencing to be non-appealable.

In re M.M. CA5 - Juvenile Dependency Case

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, has issued an opinion in the dependency case In re M.M. The court agreed with the parties to strike the juvenile court's order requiring the father to submit to drug and alcohol testing as part of his reunification case plan.

City of Alameda v. Sheehan - Unlawful Detainer Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, has filed a non-precedential opinion in the unlawful detainer case City of Alameda v. Sheehan. The court affirmed the trial court's denial of the defendant's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict.

People v. Baul - Criminal Resentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a resentencing denial for Joel Baul. The court found the resentencing court erroneously relied on a previously stricken enhancement and an unalleged prior conviction. This decision impacts how prior convictions and enhancements are considered in resentencing.

People v. Baidi - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal vacated and remanded the sentencing for Saeed Baidi in case B342174. The court agreed with the parties that the trial court failed to comply with Penal Code section 1172.751 when striking prior prison term enhancements, requiring a full resentencing hearing.

Roebke v. Ahmed - Unlawful Detainer Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment in favor of Ronette Roebke in an unlawful detainer case against Nusuri Ahmed. The court found that Ahmed forfeited his arguments due to insufficient briefing and an inadequate record. The original judgment included possession of the premises, forfeiture of the lease, and $56,817.16 in past-due rent and holdover damages.

Bagby v. Davis - California Court of Appeal Non-Precedential Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four, issued a non-precedential opinion in Bagby v. Davis. The court affirmed a post-judgment order regarding the levy on an annuity, finding that changed circumstances obviated the application of collateral estoppel.

People v. Pereztale - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Pereztale. The defendant appealed a conviction for continuous sexual abuse of a child, contending the trial court erred in jury instructions. The appellate court affirmed the conviction.

People v. Greenwood - CA Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, issued a non-precedential opinion in the case of People v. Greenwood. The court affirmed an order related to a defendant's motion to withdraw a guilty plea for charges including assault with a deadly weapon and reckless driving.

Pelloni v. Mirshahi - CA Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four, filed an opinion in Pelloni v. Mirshahi. The court dismissed one appeal for lack of jurisdiction and reversed in part another appeal concerning postjudgment orders, specifically regarding attorney fees and costs.

Goodman v. Nelson - Civil Harassment Restraining Order Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, dismissed the appeal in Goodman v. Nelson due to lack of jurisdiction. The case involved an appeal of a trial court's denial of an anti-SLAPP motion related to a Civil Harassment Restraining Order.