CAPE and IEEPA Refunds: What We Know Ahead of April 20
CBP targets April 20, 2026 for CAPE system launch to process IEEPA tariff refunds. Learn about Phase 1 eligibility, the refund process, and AD/CVD entry exclusions.
CBP Hosts IEEPA Duty Refunds Webinar on April 17
CBP will host an April 17 webinar on IEEPA duty refunds under the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) framework. The session explains submission of CAPE Declarations, processing steps, and refund issuance. Customs brokers and stakeholders can register for free, with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis and CE credits offered.
NAFTA Binational Panel Affirms and Remands Softwood Lumber Decision
A NAFTA Article 1904 binational panel has issued a decision on Canadian softwood lumber exports to the U.S. It affirmed parts of the U.S. Commerce Department’s countervailing duty determination while remanding others. The U.S. must complete its redetermination by June 4, 2026, under NAFTA trade rules replacing domestic court review.
USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations Into Forced Labor in 60 Economies
The United States Trade Representative has initiated Section 301 investigations into 60 economies over failure to enforce bans on goods produced with forced labor. The review will assess whether these practices burden U.S. commerce. Public comments are due April 15, 2026, with hearings scheduled for April 28 as consultations begin.
U.S. Launches Section 301 Investigations into Global Manufacturing Overcapacity
The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated Section 301 investigations into structural excess manufacturing capacity in 16 economies, including China, the European Union, and Mexico. The review will assess whether foreign acts or policies unfairly burden or restrict U.S. commerce. Public comments open March 17, 2026.
U.S. Imposes 10% Temporary Import Surcharge Under Section 122 (Updated)
Following the Supreme Court decision on Feb. 20, 2026, the administration implemented a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122, effective Feb. 24. The measure targets persistent U.S. balance-of-payments deficits and dollar pressures. CBP issued guidance detailing affected imports, exemptions, and reporting requirements.
Supreme Court Strikes Down IEEPA Tariffs (Updated)
The Supreme Court ruled that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, ending reciprocal, fentanyl, and Brazil-related measures effective February 23, 2026. CBP guidance issued on February 22, 2026 confirms termination of IEEPA duty collection and deactivation of related HTSUS numbers in ACE beginning February 24, 2026.
U.S. 10% Section 122 Tariff In Effect Feb. 24; IEEPA Tariffs IEEPA Tariffs Cease; De Minimis Suspension Continues (Updated)
On February 20, President Trump imposed a 10% ad valorem duty under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective February 24 for 150 days. Related executive orders direct agencies to wind down IEEPA tariffs and maintain the suspension of de minimis treatment. CBP's latest guidance confirms de minimis suspension and updated filing requirements.
U.S. and Indonesia Finalize Trade Deal
The U.S. finalized a trade agreement with Indonesia, removing tariffs on over 99% of U.S. exports while maintaining a 19% reciprocal tariff. The deal addresses non-tariff barriers, strengthens digital trade and intellectual property protections, and includes $33 billion in commercial agreements across energy, aerospace, agriculture, and critical minerals.
U.S. and North Macedonia Reach Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
The United States and North Macedonia finalized a trade agreement to strengthen economic ties. North Macedonia will remove tariffs on all U.S. industrial and agricultural goods. The U.S. will maintain a 15% tariff on most North Macedonian products, with select items at 0%. The deal also addresses non-tariff barriers, digital trade, and energy security.
