Trade Updates
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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.
Have Your Say: Canada Seeks Feedback on Sanctions Guidance
Canadais requesting feedback from customs brokers, importers, exporters, and trade professionals on its sanctions guidance and compliance tools. The consultation aims to identify gaps, improve regulatory resources, and strengthen support for businesses navigating Canada’s sanctions framework. The survey remains open until March 26, 2026.
Canada Grants Steel Derivative Surtax Remission (Updated)
Canada issued the Steel Derivative Goods Surtax Remission Order, providing relief on surtaxes for public health, safety, national security, health care, scheduled goods, and wind towers. The CBSA clarified eligibility, application procedures, and documentation requirements on March 11, 2026. Importers must file claims within two years to recover surtaxes.
Canada Releases New Compliance Guide on Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations
Canada issued guidance for the Certain Products Containing Toxic Substances Regulations. The rules prohibit certain coal tar sealants, restrict PAH levels in sealant products, and maintain concentration limits for products containing 2-butoxyethanol. Businesses manufacturing, importing, or selling affected products must verify compliance.
Canada Revises Steel Import TRQs and Permits; Q4 TRQs Open March 26
Canada’s quarterly steel import TRQs limit shipments from most countries, excluding the U.S. and Mexico, with a 50% surtax on imports exceeding quotas. Shipment-specific permits are required for 30 days. The fourth-quarter TRQs open March 26, 2026, with applications accepted starting March 11, 2026 at 00:01 a.m. (EDT).
CBP Preparing for IEEPA Refunds
On March 6, 2026, CBP advised the U.S. Court of International Trade that it is developing Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality to process IEEPA duty refunds for more than 53 million entries following the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs.
Canada Issues Official Quota Rules for Chinese EVs (Import Permits Open March 1)
Global Affairs Canada’s Notice 1162 outlines rules for importing electric vehicles from China. Permits from Global Affairs Canada are required, the 100% surtax is replaced with a 6.1% tariff, and the quota year runs March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, with first-come, first-served allocation for eligible vehicles. Import permits open March 1, 2026.
Canada Repeals Surtax on Chinese Electric Vehicle Imports
The Canada Border Services Agency repeals the 100% surtax on Chinese electric vehicles, effective March 1, 2026. Section 3 and Schedule 1 of the China Surtax Order 2024 are removed. Importers can update declarations and request refunds for previously paid surtax on passenger cars, trucks, buses, and delivery vans.
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.
Canada Revises Hardwood Export Directive D-14-02 to Include Chestnut and Oak for EU
The CFIA issued the eighth revision of Directive D-14-02 on February 19, 2026, adding chestnut and oak under new EU export requirements. The two-lined chestnut borer is now a regulated pest. Exporters must register, follow treatment and certification rules, and comply with systems-based phytosanitary standards for EU shipments.
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.
CITT Releases Final Injury Ruling on Cast Iron Soil Pipe from China
The CITT confirmed that dumped and subsidized cast iron soil pipe imports from China injured Canadian producers. Anti-dumping duties of 444.2% and countervailing duties of 1,550.44 CNY per metric tonne are now in force under SIMA, with compliance handled through the CBSA’s CARM system.
Canada Requests Feedback on Dairy Import Updates
The Canada Border Services Agency requests stakeholder feedback on updates to Memorandum D10‑18‑7, covering dairy imports and the Import Control List. Comments must be submitted in track changes to Stephanie Nakamura by March 5, 2026, ensuring regulations remain accurate, compliant, and aligned with current trade agreements and industry standards.
Canada Wheat Products TRQ Closes February 19, 2026
Canada’s 2025–2026 wheat products tariff rate quota (TRQ) will fill at 20:59 p.m. EST on February 19, 2026. “Within access commitment” tariff items will close, and any imports accounted for after the cut-off will be classified under over access rates. General Import Permit No. 20 will be suspended for the affected goods until July 31, 2026.
CFIA Updates Common Names for Ingredients and Components
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) amended the Common Names for Ingredients and Components, updating terminology for milk and modified milk ingredients and their French equivalents. The Industry Labelling Tool reflects these changes. Businesses have until Jan. 1, 2030 to update food labels to comply with the new requirements.
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.
CBSA Updates Mass Adjustment Submission Rules
CBSA Customs Notice 26-03 updates mass adjustment submission rules effective February 2, 2026. Importers must submit Form BSF987, follow line consistency and reason code order rules, and ensure CAD adjustments comply with CARM requirements. Non-compliant cases will be rejected, and statutory time limits will not be protected.
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