Trade Updates
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U.S. and China Agree on More Favorable Tariff Treatment for $30B in Goods
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.
U.S. Imposes 15% Section 232 Tariff on Polysilicon and Its Derivatives (Import Ban Guidance Issued)
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 Updates Guide to Importing Commercial Goods Into Canada
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 Form 5106 Enforcement Begins September 18, 2026
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physical addresses, direct contact information, and Power of Attorney records and promptly correct any inaccurate or outdated information on file with CBP.
Trump Signs Order to Identify and Remove Canadian-Origin Goods in Federal Procurement
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 Requests Comments on Foreign Trade Barriers for 2027 NTE Report
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.
Canada Opens Expanded Tariff Support for Prairie and Southern Ontario Businesses
The Government of Canada has expanded the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, offering up to $3 million in non-repayable funding to eligible businesses in the Prairies and southern Ontario. The program provides liquidity support and funding for business pivots, productivity, resilience, capital investments, market diversification, and competitiveness amid trade uncertainty.
USITC Seeks Comments on Implementation of 19 U.S.C. 1338(g)
The USITC is seeking comments on how it should implement Section 338(g) of the Tariff Act of 1930. The Commission wants input on foreign practices that burden U.S. commerce, how it should gather and analyze information, confidentiality protections, and recommendations to the President. Comments under docket MISC-053 are due by 5:15 p.m. on November 8, 2026.
Canada’s Surtax on U.S. Goods Takes Effect Sept. 8, 2026 (CBSA Guidance Available)
Canada’s United States Surtax Order (2026) took effect September 8, 2026, imposing 15%, 25%, or 50% surtaxes on specified U.S.-origin goods. CBSA guidance outlines covered goods, origin requirements, exemptions, accounting procedures, proof of origin, and relief options. Canadian importers should review applicable tariff items and work with their brokers to assess exposure.
Canada Extends Temporary Suspension of Federal Fuel Excise Tax to January 2027
Canada has extended the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax through January 31, 2027. The measure covers unleaded gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, and leaded aviation gasoline. Eligible imported fuels require Excise Exemption Code F00 when Trade Chain Partners complete a Commercial Accounting Declaration in CARM.
U.S. Imposes New Section 232 Tariffs on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Components (CBP Guidance Available)
U.S. Section 232 tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems and components take effect Sept. 3, 2026. The new duties include 100% and 25% tariffs on specified products. CBP has issued guidance covering Chapter 99 HTSUS classifications, duty reporting requirements, trade agreements, drawback, and Foreign-Trade Zone treatment for affected imports.
CBP Seeks Input on Heightened Import Disclosure Requirements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is considering heightened import disclosure requirements to improve supply chain visibility and detect illegal transshipment. Proposed measures include foreign export documents, detailed party identifiers, global business IDs, supply chain tracing technology, AI tools, and potential CTPAT changes. Comments on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) are due December 1, 2026.
CBSA Initiates Dumping and Subsidy Investigations on Truck and Bus Tires From China
The CBSA has initiated dumping and subsidy investigations into certain truck and bus tires originating in or exported from China. The investigations cover specified new and retreaded pneumatic rubber tires for medium and heavy vehicles. Importers should review the product definition, tariff classifications, and investigation timeline as the CBSA proceeds with its review.
U.S. Adjusts Section 232 Metal Tariffs (Copper Smelt and Cast Country Detail Error Code Update)
CBP will begin rejecting ACE entry summaries missing required copper primary country of smelt and country of cast information on September 14, 2026. The change applies to certain copper articles under four HTSUS classifications. ACE will issue a fatal F794 error when the required Type 12 record is not submitted. Importers may report “OTH” when required country information is unknown.
U.S. to Accept More Beef Imports Under Temporary TRQ Increase
The U.S. will temporarily increase its 2026 beef tariff-rate quota by 300,000 metric tons for certain lean beef trimmings. The additional quota will open in three 100,000-metric-ton tranches starting September 1, 2026. The increase applies to imports from other countries or areas and will remain available through November 30, 2026, or until the quota fills. Imports will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Canada Imposes Provisional SIMA Duties on Certain Plywood from China
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has imposed provisional SIMA duties on certain decorative and non-structural plywood from China, effective August 24, 2026. Provisional duty rates vary by exporter, while imports from exporters without specific rates face a 227.5% duty. The measure covers specified plywood products and includes several exclusions.
Section 338 Tariffs: How Canadian Exporters Should Prepare Before August 22 (Update)
A new 50% Section 338 tariff takes effect August 22, 2026 (paused from August 19), calculated by the date goods arrive and enter the U.S., not the date they ship from Canada. This update details the actions exporters should take now, including confirming arrival timing with their carrier and broker, moving eligible shipments before the deadline, and holding others where entry timing is uncertain.
CBP Electronic Refund Update (Review ACE Reports for Rejected Refunds)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now issues refunds electronically through ACH, with limited exceptions. Importers and customs brokers should maintain valid U.S. bank information in the ACE Portal and review the REV-613 report for rejected refunds. The latest guidance outlines ACH enrollment requirements, notify party procedures, and steps for addressing rejected or delayed refunds.
Reminder: Share Your Views on Canada’s Steel TRQ Administration (Item 82) – Deadline Aug. 19
Global Affairs Canada is reminding stakeholders to share their views on Canada’s steel TRQ administration under Item 82 of the Import Control List. The public consultation closes August 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Importers and other interested parties can submit feedback online.
Enhanced ACAS Enforcement Extended Through May 1, 2027
CBP has extended the Enhanced ACAS phased enforcement period to May 1, 2027. Air carriers and eligible filers must continue submitting required ACAS data while addressing data quality issues, confirming system readiness, and coordinating with CBP on implementation concerns. The extension gives affected parties additional time to complete system integrations, refine compliance procedures, and prepare for full enforcement under the Enhanced ACAS Interim Final Rule.
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