EU Steel Safeguard Measure Negotiations

The European Commission has welcomed the start of trilogue negotiations on a new EU steel safeguard measure. The proposed regulation aims to protect the EU steel industry by reducing tariff-free import volumes, doubling out-of-quota duties, and introducing a 'melt & pour' requirement. The measure is intended to be fully in place by July 1, 2026.

Crapo Remarks on USMCA Trade Agreement Review

Senator Mike Crapo delivered remarks at a hearing discussing the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) six years after its approval. The remarks highlighted the agreement's positive impact on American jobs, manufacturing, and economic growth, while also noting areas for improved enforcement and the importance of business certainty.

USMCA Hearing Announcement

The U.S. Senate Finance Committee announced a hearing on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to evaluate North American competitiveness. The hearing is scheduled for February 12, 2026, and will feature testimony from various stakeholders.

Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act

Senators Crapo and Wyden, along with Representatives Valadao and Bonamici, introduced the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act to address foreign trade barriers impacting U.S. specialty crop exports. The bill aims to improve the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report to better identify and combat tariffs and other restrictions.

Sanctioning Timeshare Resort Linked to CJNG for Defrauding U.S. Citizens

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against Kovay Gardens, a Mexican timeshare resort, and associated individuals and companies for their involvement in timeshare fraud schemes orchestrated by the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). This action was taken under executive orders targeting illicit drug proliferation and terrorism.

US Designates Russia-Based Cyber Firm for Trade Secret Theft

The U.S. Department of State has designated Russia-based Matrix LLC (Operation Zero) and its director, Sergey Zelenyuk, for significant theft of U.S. trade secrets. This action, taken under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act and Executive Order 13694, blocks their assets in the U.S. and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting business with them.

State Department Sanctions for Intellectual Property Theft

The Department of State has sanctioned one individual and two entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act (PAIPA) for theft of trade secrets. This action, supported by Treasury designations, marks the first use of PAIPA and targets cyber tools stolen from a U.S. company.

US Sanctions Target Iran's Weapons Procurement and Shadow Fleet

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against individuals and entities in Iran, Türkiye, and the UAE involved in Iran's weapons procurement networks. Additionally, numerous shadow fleet vessels and their operators involved in transporting Iranian petroleum products were sanctioned.

US Sanctions Nicaraguan Officials for Repression

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on five senior Nicaraguan officials for their roles in the repression of the Nicaraguan people. These actions are taken under Executive Orders 13851 and 14088, targeting individuals involved in human rights abuses and consolidation of power by the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship.

Mays Chemical Company Recalls Frozen Raw Pork Loins

Mays Chemical Company is recalling approximately 3,900 pounds of frozen raw pork boneless loins due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was imported from Brazil and distributed in Puerto Rico. Consumers are urged not to consume the product.