Audi to invest $4B in first U.S. assembly plant in Georgia

Audi, Volkswagen Group's luxury brand, announced it will invest $4 billion in its first U.S. factory, at the Middle Georgia Mega Site in Peach County near Macon, Georgia, with construction slated to begin in 2027 and the first U.S.-built vehicles produced in the early 2030s. The plant will assemble premium SUVs for North America with annual capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles and is expected to create around 4,500 jobs. Audi said the plant will reduce its exposure to trade and currency risks, such as the 15% tariff on European auto imports to the U.S.

Wood Mackenzie reports 2.8 GW of U.S. wind turbine orders in Q2 ahead of 45Y and 48E tax credit deadlines

Wood Mackenzie said in an October 26, 2026 report that U.S. wind turbine orders reached 2.8 GW in the second quarter as developers raced to commence construction before July 4, 2026, deadlines tied to the 45Y production tax credit and 48E investment tax credit under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Projects that missed the commence construction deadline must be placed in service by December 31, 2027, to qualify, while projects that met the July 4 deadline have until December 31, 2030.

Samsung SDI signs 1 GWh U.S.-made NCA battery storage supply agreement with Alpha Omega Power

Samsung SDI has signed an agreement to supply 1 GWh of nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA) battery storage to U.S. utility and independent power producer Alpha Omega Power, with all cells and modules to be manufactured at Samsung SDI's StarPlus Energy plant in Kokomo, Indiana. The Samsung Battery Box (SBB) 1.7 containerized energy storage is to be delivered before the end of 2026, for projects scheduled to begin construction in 2027 in the WECC and ERCOT markets. The deal brings Samsung SDI's contracted supply to APO to 1.5 GWh, following an earlier contract signed in 2025.

China solar module prices hold at $0.107/W as proposed price floors draw skepticism

China's TOPCon module export prices held steady for a second week despite a proposal by eight major polysilicon manufacturers, discussed at an October 11 meeting in Hangzhou, for minimum selling prices of CNY 0.79/W for TOPCon modules and CNY 0.86/W for back-contact modules, alongside a minimum polysilicon price of CNY 43/kg inclusive of tax. The OPIS Global Solar Markets Report released October 20 put the Chinese Module Marker for TOPCon modules below 645 W at $0.107/W FOB China, unchanged, with Q1 2027 forward prices at $0.106/W.

JOC reports regulatory moves and peak season prices weighing on US importers

JOC reports that regulatory moves and peak season prices are weighing on US importers, in an item whose body carries only DSV's third-quarter earnings, which reflected continued momentum from synergies in the ongoing integration of Schenker's business while a portfolio-cleanup process weighed on activity. The item does not name the regulatory measures, the products or HTS codes affected, any rate or any effective date.

Philippines initiates WTO-notified safeguard investigation on pork imports

The Philippines notified the WTO Committee on Safeguards that it initiated a safeguard investigation on imports of pork on October 9, 2026, with the notification circulated as G/SG/N/6/PHL/25. Interested parties must submit written comments, evidence and positions within five working days from the date of publication of the Notice, and parties required to complete an investigation questionnaire must submit complete responses within the prescribed period. The Notice does not specify an intended public hearing date.

China's MIIT proposes stricter solar cell and module efficiency standards in draft 2026 specifications

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released for public consultation on Oct. 16 draft 2026 Photovoltaic Manufacturing Industry Specifications that would replace the 2024 rules and raise minimum average conversion efficiencies, with the consultation open until Nov. 15. New and expanded cell lines would need 26.2% for n-type TOPCon, 26.0% for HJT and 26.6% for BC, up from a uniform 26.0% for new n-type cells; existing lines would need 25.3% for TOPCon and HJT and 25.6% for BC, against 25.0% previously.

ARMA opens consultation on proposed 2027 EPR oversight fees for Alberta producers

The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) has opened its 2027 EPR Oversight Fee Consultation, inviting producers to review proposed oversight fees and the oversight fee methodology and to submit feedback, including at a scheduled webinar. ARMA states that the consultation presentation, the 2027 EPR Oversight Fee Calculator and the webinar recording are coming soon, and that the Fee Setting Policy and current oversight fee FAQs are available. The notice does not state the proposed fee amounts or the consultation deadline.

Supply Chain Dive analysis identifies five trends reshaping consumer electronics supply chains

ARMA releases first EPR annual report on Alberta's producer-funded recycling system

The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) released its 2025 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Annual Report, covering the first transitional year of Alberta's EPR framework following the April 1, 2025 launch of Phase I of the Single-Use Products, Packaging and Paper Products (PPP) and Hazardous and Special Products (HSP) programs. At launch, 217 communities representing approximately 94% of Alberta's population received EPR-funded services, with more than 5,300 producers and suppliers participating in ARMA-administered EPR.

FMC floats port fees for Spanish ships and import restrictions

The Federal Maritime Commission has floated port fees for Spanish ships and import restrictions, according to JOC. The item does not state the rate of the fees, the products or HTS codes covered, or an effective date.

EcoFlow launches Titan 5000 residential storage systems in the US

EcoFlow launched its Titan series of residential battery storage systems in the US, with the Titan 5000 Classic, Titan 5000 and Titan 5000 Plus starting at 5 kWh and expanding to 30 kWh, available from Oct. 13. The Titan 5000 and 5000 Plus offer 7.2 kW output, while the Classic provides 4 kW at 120 V; all three carry five-year warranties and FCC authorization dated July 20.

BD reaches supply chain pact with Trump administration for relief from future Section 232 tariffs

BD said it has struck a partnership with the Trump administration under which it will invest $19 billion in U.S. manufacturing over several years, including $3 billion to expand strategic production sites and increase annual U.S. output by about 5 billion essential medical consumables, in exchange for relief from any future Section 232 tariffs on BD products, subject to undisclosed milestones. BD also agreed to make all of its needles used in the U.S. with American-made steel. BD said it would not yet quantify the financial impact because final tariff rates and products were not determined, and it expects to provide more information when the Section 232 tariffs are finalized.

pv magazine analysis: U.S. solar tracker suppliers shift to integrated systems via M&A

pv magazine reports that U.S. solar tracker suppliers are pursuing mergers and acquisitions to expand beyond trackers into adjacent components, citing NextPower, Array Technologies and GameChange Energy as the leading acquirers, with NextPower spending more than $1.1 billion. The article attributes the shift to a saturated domestic tracker market, forecast declining U.S. tracker shipments from 2026 to 2035, and the roughly 10% share of utility-scale solar capex that mounting systems represent. It also cites the Section 45X credit and the 10% domestic content bonus as incentives to manufacture in the United States, and notes the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered into force in January 2026.

China's solar anti-involution campaign adds mandatory efficiency and energy standards from Jan. 1, 2027

China's anti-involution campaign against below-cost competition in solar manufacturing now combines CPIA's standardized cost-accounting model, an Aug. 6 pledge by eight polysilicon producers representing more than 90% of effective capacity to price at or above full cost, and three mandatory national standards taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. The standards cap polysilicon energy consumption at 6.3 kg of standard coal equivalent per kilogram and set minimum Grade 3 module conversion efficiency of 23.2% for TOPCon and HJT and 23.5% for BC. The Silicon Industry Branch estimates effective polysilicon capacity will fall to about 2.4 million MT after restructuring, 16.4% below end-2024 levels.

pv magazine roundup: sodium-ion specs, California plug-in solar law and U.S. solar manufacturing financing

pv magazine USA's weekly roundup reports that the U.S. energy storage market is developing its own sodium-ion specification amid federal domestic content policies, FEOC sourcing rules and UL 9540A testing, and that California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 868, allowing portable solar devices to connect through a receptacle. It also reports that the New York Public Service Commission approved a two-year meter socket adapter pilot, that more than 70% of announced U.S. solar manufacturing expansion plans are not yet financed, and that a Wood Mackenzie report finds four-hour storage cheaper than open-cycle gas in 43 modeled markets while tariffs threaten near-term U.S. gains.

FMC questions Cosco on late payment of reparations to ag shipper

The Federal Maritime Commission questioned Cosco over a late payment of reparations to an agricultural shipper, according to JOC. The report does not state the amount owed, the case number or the date the payment was due.

FMC questions Cosco on non-payment of reparations to ag shipper

The Federal Maritime Commission questioned Cosco over its non-payment of reparations to an agricultural shipper, according to a JOC report. The material provides no further detail on the amount, the shipper, the case number or any deadline.

In case you missed it: Solar stories of the week

White House announces $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel complex in Iowa

The White House announced that a $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel complex is coming to Iowa, described as the largest steel plant ever built in the United States, with 1,750 permanent jobs, up to 6,000 construction jobs and an estimated $95 billion in U.S. economic output over construction and the first decade of operations. Mesabi Metallics CEO Joe Broking said the project combines direct-reduction grade iron ore pellet from Minnesota's Iron Range with DRI to EAF steelmaking in Iowa. The announcement does not state an effective date, a start of construction or any change to tariff or entry requirements.

CBP hosts 2026 Trade and Cargo Security Summit in Dallas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection hosted the 2026 Trade and Cargo Security Summit in Dallas, Texas from Sept. 8-10, with 1,300 in-person and 3,000 virtual participants, under the theme "Knowing Your Supply Chain to Remain Compliant and Mitigate Risk." CBP Deputy Commissioner Ron Vitiello's opening remarks covered the Strengthening Customs Enforcement Executive Order, illegal transshipment, forced labor enforcement, ACE modernization, Enforce and Protect Act investigations and supply chain security. CBP encouraged attendees to file formal comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled "Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility."

CBP Office of Field Operations launches OFO Strategy 2026-2030

CBP's Office of Field Operations unveiled the "OFO Strategy 2026-2030," a roadmap setting four goals for its ports-of-entry operations: national security, economic security, integration and workforce cultivation. The strategy covers intelligence-based targeting, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, modernization of port infrastructure and technology, and industry awareness. CBP states that in Fiscal Year 2025 OFO processed approximately 380 million travelers and $3.6 trillion in import cargo.

CBP reports 14 straight months of zero border releases and June enforcement statistics

CBP announced 14 consecutive months of zero releases at the border, with nationwide encounters in June at 31,626, 4% lower than May, and southwest border apprehensions 94% below the monthly average of the Biden administration. In trade enforcement, CBP processed $330 billion in imports in June 2026 and identified $22.9 billion in duties for collection. CBP also stopped 372 shipments valued at more than $38 million for potential forced labor violations and seized nearly 2 million counterfeit goods valued at over $1.4 billion.

Canada and Uruguay Sign Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement to Strengthen Trade Security

CBP prepares World Cup security and counterfeit merchandise enforcement

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it has established a CBP World Cup Task Force to coordinate security operations across all FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities, and that its Office of Field Operations has increased officer numbers, expanded hours and added screening technology at key ports. CBP says officers and import specialists will inspect goods entering for the tournament, working with the USDA, CDC and FDA on agricultural and biological materials, and that it has expanded intellectual property rights enforcement training on counterfeit FIFA merchandise.

Minister Lightbound to make announcement on the Port of Québec

The CBSA announced that the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Lieutenant of Quebec, will make an announcement regarding the Port of Québec on behalf of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. The news conference is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Québec City, accompanied by representatives of the Port of Québec, the City of Québec and other elected officials. Media must confirm attendance by contacting media@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca with name, organization, email and phone number.