OFAC Sanctions Nicaragua Individuals; Amends Russia License

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned five individuals in Nicaragua and issued an amended Russia-related General License. These actions update OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List and provide guidance on specific transactions.

OFAC Removes Russia and Lebanon Sanctions Designations

The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed several individuals from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. These removals include designations related to Russia and Lebanon, with some individuals previously linked to the Wagner Group. This action updates OFAC's sanctions lists and impacts entities that previously had dealings with these designated parties.

GSP Revisions, Petitions, Renewal, and Technical Modifications Notice

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) issued a notice regarding revisions to the 2017/2018 Annual GSP Product and Country Practices Review. This notice outlines the deadline for filing petitions related to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program and details technical modifications for GSP renewal.

USTR Initiation of Country Practice Reviews for India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated country practice reviews for India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan. This action is part of the USTR's ongoing monitoring of trade practices in various countries.

USTR GSP Annual Product Review and Thailand Practice Review Initiation

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated the 2018 Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Annual Product Review and a review of Thailand's trade practices. This notice invites public comments on product petitions and Thailand's eligibility.

USTR Initiation of Country Practice Review of Turkey

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a country practice review concerning Turkey. This review will assess Turkey's practices related to the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.

GSP Hearing Notice for Country Practice and Designation Reviews

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice regarding an upcoming hearing for ongoing country practice reviews of Bolivia, Ecuador, Georgia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, and Uzbekistan, and for the country designation review of Laos under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments and participate in the hearing.

Section 301 Investigation: Brazil's Trade Practices

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Brazil's trade practices concerning digital trade, electronic payment services, tariffs, anti-corruption enforcement, intellectual property, ethanol market access, and illegal deforestation. This action seeks to determine if these practices are unfair or discriminatory.

Section 301 Investigation: China's Phase One Agreement Implementation

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into China's implementation of its commitments under the Phase One agreement. The USTR is seeking public comments and has scheduled a hearing to gather input on this matter.

Section 301 Investigation: Korea's Coupang Practices

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has received a petition to initiate a Section 301 investigation into Korea's acts, policies, and practices concerning Coupang. This action may lead to potential trade remedies if the investigation finds grounds for action.