U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposes new rules for imports valued at $2,500 or less, including earlier electronic filing, a new entry process for eligible international mail shipments, additional shipment data, and bond requirements. The proposal would also expand CBP’s authority to require formal entry. Importers, brokers, and carriers can submit comments through December 7, 2026.
USTR will continue the July 6, 2018, and August 23, 2018, Section 301 actions on certain imports from China, as modified, after receiving requests from domestic industries. Additional duties generally range from 7.5% to 25%, depending on the product and applicable tariff action, with some higher rates following later modifications. Both actions remain in effect while USTR conducts another statutory four-year review.
USTR is seeking public comments ahead of the 2027 USMCA joint review. Comments and hearing requests are due January 12, 2027. USTR is seeking input on the agreement’s operation, implementation, compliance, investment climate, competitiveness, economic security, and cooperation on non-market policies and practices that affect trade and investment across North America.
CBP issued two Withhold Release Orders (WROs) against palm oil and its derivative products produced by two palm oil plantations in Indonesia, Mitra Aneka Rezeki (MAR) and Hardaya Inti Plantation (HIP). WROs allow CBP to detain goods suspected of being made with forced labor. This page tracks the latest WROs and what they mean for affected importers and shipments.
The U.S. and China reached consensus on recommendations for more favorable tariff treatment covering $30 billion of non-sensitive goods in each direction. The recommendations cover U.S. exports and imports, including agricultural products, seafood, wood products, cosmetics, medical devices, small appliances, toys, holiday decorations, and child car seats.
Latest Update: CBP issued guidance on an import ban for certain polysilicon products when Commerce determines that an importer of record exceeds historic import volumes or applicable weekly quantity limits. Affected importers cannot make further entries before December 4, 2026, but may apply to Commerce for a waiver of the prohibition.
CBSA updated its guide to importing commercial goods into Canada. The guide covers import requirements, duties and taxes, CARM registration, shipping and reporting, release and accounting, post-accounting changes, and compliance. A checklist also summarizes key steps businesses should complete before importing, during shipping, and when commercial goods arrive at the Canadian border.
Reminder: CBP’s enhanced enforcement of Importer of Record information took effect on September 18, 2026. The agency may void IOR numbers when Form 5106 information is inaccurate or incomplete. Importers and customs brokers should review and verify physical addresses, direct contact information, and Power of Attorney records and promptly correct any inaccurate or outdated information on file with CBP.
President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on September 16 directing U.S. officials to review Canadian-origin goods used in federal procurement. The review could lead to some Canadian goods being removed or made unavailable for purchase by federal agencies. USTR will also continue monitoring Canada’s treatment of U.S. goods in its federal and provincial procurement markets.
USTR is seeking comments on significant foreign trade barriers for the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report, including barriers affecting U.S. exports, investment, electronic commerce, and telecommunications. Comments should identify relevant measures, explain their trade impact, and include export estimates where possible. Submissions are due through Regulations.gov by October 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
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