White House unveils America First Seafood Strategy to remove foreign trade barriers

The White House unveiled the America First Seafood Strategy, a whole-of-government approach that USTR says will remove foreign trade barriers and open new markets for U.S. fishermen. The strategy cites Japan's tariffs of up to 10% and import quotas, the EU CATCH documentation and reporting requirements, India's fisheries subsidy program and Vietnam's IUU fishing practices as barriers, and notes commitments from Taiwan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Ecuador and Indonesia on subsidies, labor rights and IUU fishing. USTR says it will continue to use negotiations and enforcement tools to open markets for U.S. seafood exports.

USTR's Greer questions U.S.-EU duty pause after European Investment Bank loan to Airbus

USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer issued a statement on the status of the U.S.-EU deal to pause duties on certain EU imports, following a record-breaking European Investment Bank loan to Airbus. Greer said the loan, awarded to Airbus projects in France, Germany and Spain, came almost immediately after the EU extended the pause, and that USTR still has no details about it despite ongoing requests. He said the situation injects substantial uncertainty into transatlantic aerospace trade and that it must be resolved to avoid violation of the LCA deal. The statement does not say whether the pause on duties has changed.

USTR proposes extending pause on Section 301 China-linked vessel fees to January 9, 2027

USTR is proposing to extend its suspension of Section 301 fees on China-linked vessels until January 9, 2027, according to an October 23 Federal Register filing; the suspension is currently set to lift on November 9. The filing says the proposed extension would allow for further negotiation with China regarding the acts, policies and practices at issue in the investigation. Public comments are due October 30. USTR previously announced fees ranging from $18 per ton to $120 per container, with an up-to-three-year exemption for vessel owners who ordered a new U.S.-built vessel.

USTR requests comments on further suspension of Section 301 action on China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors

USTR has published a Federal Register request for comments on further suspension of the Section 301 action on China's targeting of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. The notice text was not available; the document does not state the scope of the suspension, the rate or the effective date.

Trump orders trade talks, not tariffs, after Section 232 wind turbine probe

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation following a Section 232 investigation into wind turbine imports, launched by the Commerce Department in August 2025, directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to open or continue talks with trading partners and report progress within 180 days. The order imposes no new tariffs on wind turbines or their components, and existing duties on steel, copper and aluminum content are unaffected. Trump said he would consider alternative remedies based on the results of the negotiations.

United States resolves USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter at Amphenol Optimize in Nogales, Mexico

The United States announced the resolution of the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter at the Amphenol Optimize México, S.A. de C.V. facility in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, which manufactures automotive and aerospace connectors, cables and components, after the remediation plan addressing employer interference in union activity and retaliatory dismissals was implemented. The facility reinstated nine workers with full backpay and benefits, adopted a neutrality statement and guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining, and set up a worker complaint mechanism, while Mexico delivered training, monitored the facility and maintained anonymous reporting channels.

Trump orders trade talks, not new tariffs, after Section 232 wind turbine probe

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation following a Section 232 investigation, launched by the Commerce Department in August 2025, into imports of wind turbines and their components, directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to open or continue negotiations with trading partners and report on progress within 180 days. The proclamation states the U.S. is reliant on wind turbine and part imports and that foreign-made turbines and parts present unique cybersecurity risks, citing inverters in particular.

CBP issues updated ACE guidance on Section 301 China conforming amendment for five exclusions

CBP states in CSMS # 70261629 that ACE will accept entries under the conforming amendment to five Section 301 China product exclusions from 6 pm on October 23, 2026, reflecting USTR's Federal Register notices 91 FR 56538 and 91 FR 64211 and the July 1, 2026 changes to ten-digit HTSUS statistical reporting categories. The amendment revises U.S. notes 20(vvv)(i)(4), (i)(5), (i)(6), (i)(20) and (iv)(4) to subchapter III of chapter 99, all reported under 9903.88.69, replacing classifications 8413.91.9065, 8413.91.9085, 8413.91.9096, 3926.90.9910 and 8479.90.9596 with 8413.91.9039, 8413.91.9046, 8413.91.9059, 8413.91.9099, 3926.90.9915, 3926.90.9920 and 8479.90.9591. Importers must not submit the corresponding Chapter 99 HTSUS number for Section 301 China duties when 9903.88.69 is submitted.

USTR resolves USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter at Alimentos Grole in Sonora, Mexico

The U.S. Trade Representative announced the resolution of the USMCA facility-specific Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter at the Alimentos Grole, S.A. de C.V. facility in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico, after the course of remediation agreed with Mexico was implemented. The USTR has directed the Secretary of the Treasury to resume liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods from the facility. The remediation included reinstating nine dismissed workers with full backpay and benefits, disbanding the company-aligned internal labor committee, and facility access for the union SITIES.

Trump order implements Graham Act, raising Russia tariffs 500% but waiving all Graham Act duties

President Trump issued an executive order implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, increasing the rate of duty on goods from the Russian Federation by 500 percent ad valorem and by 100 percent ad valorem on goods from the largest 5 importers of Russian-origin crude oil and natural gas that knowingly make new purchases on or after October 18, 2026, and on goods from the top 5 facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion.

USTR publishes October 2026 speeches and remarks index

USTR's Office of the Press Office has posted its October 2026 Speeches and Remarks page, an index of remarks from that month. The page contains navigation links and no text of any speech, and it states no measure, rate, product, country or effective date.

USTR invokes USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism for review of workers' rights at Carolina Performance Fabrics in Mexico

USTR has invoked the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism and asked Mexico to review whether workers at Carolina Performance Fabrics, S.A. de C.V., a high-performance automotive textile plant in Guanajuato, are being denied freedom of association and collective bargaining. The Trade Representative directed the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods from the Carolina facility. Mexico has 10 days to agree to a review and 45 days from today to complete it. The action follows a September 10, 2026 RRM petition from a Mexican union affiliated with COCENA alleging interference in union activity, harassment, threats and unlawful dismissals.

USTR invokes USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism for review of alleged workers' rights denial at GLM Components Mexico

USTR has invoked the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism and asked Mexico to review whether workers at GLM Components Mexico, S.A. de C.V., an auto parts facility in Puebla, Mexico, are being denied freedom of association and collective bargaining. The action follows a September 8, 2026 RRM petition from the Sindicato Regeneración Nacional de Trabajadores y Empleados de la República Mexicana "Morenas" and an Interagency Labor Committee determination of sufficient, credible evidence. The Trade Representative has directed the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend liquidation of unliquidated entries of goods from the GLM Components facility.

USTR requests comments on EU carbon border adjustment mechanism and proposals to expand coverage

USTR published a request for comments on the effect of the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and proposals to expand its coverage on U.S. trade. The notice does not state a comment deadline, the products or HTS codes covered, or an effective date.

USTR continues Section 301 actions on China technology transfer, IP and innovation

USTR published a Federal Register notice titled "Continuation of Actions: China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation," continuing the Section 301 actions in that investigation. The notice text was not available; the Federal Register page returned only an automated-access notice, so the document does not state which products, HTS codes, rates or effective dates are covered.

USTR issues conforming amendment to a Section 301 product exclusion for China

USTR published a notice of conforming amendment to a product exclusion in the Section 301 investigation of China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The notice text was not available; the Federal Register page returned an automated-access notice, so the excluded products, HTS codes, rates and effective date are not stated here.

USTR seeks comments and sets public hearing on USMCA operation ahead of 2027 joint review

USTR is commencing a public consultation process in advance of the 2027 annual joint review meeting of the USMCA and, as directed by Congress, is seeking public comments on the operation of the Agreement and providing notice of a public hearing. Written comments and requests to appear at the hearing are due January 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST, and a request to appear must include a summary of testimony. The date and location of the 2027 public hearing will be published on USTR's website, and post-hearing rebuttal comments are due seven calendar days after the last day of the hearing at 11:59 p.m.

USTR seeks public comment on 2027 joint review of USMCA

USTR announced a public consultation process in advance of the 2027 joint review of the USMCA, and states that, as directed by Congress, it is seeking public comments on the operation of the agreement. USTR will also convene a public hearing, with the date and location to be published on ustr.gov. Comments are due January 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. EST, and requests to appear at the hearing and summaries of testimony must be received by the same deadline.

USTR announces U.S., Mexico and Argentina statement on forced labor in supply chains

USTR states that the Trade Ministers of the United States, Mexico and Argentina agreed to issue a statement on eliminating forced labor in global supply chains on the margins of the G20 Trade Ministerial. Ambassador Jamieson Greer said he applauds his colleagues from Mexico and Argentina and called on all countries to work toward eradicating forced labor from global supply chains. The announcement does not state any product, HTS code, rate or effective date.

Trade groups urge USTR to extend pause on China-linked ship fees

U.S.-China Board of Trade proposes reduced tariffs on non-sensitive goods

The U.S.-China Board of Trade has recommended reduced tariff treatment for non-sensitive goods covering roughly $30 billion in imports for each country, the Trump Administration announced. USTR Jamieson Greer said the arrangement covers about 30 percent of U.S. exports to China, including agricultural products and medical devices, and U.S. imports of household goods, toys and other products generally not imported from other countries. The White House documentation did not specify reduction amounts or an implementation date, and the terms of reference state future duty reductions will be determined and implemented in accordance with each side's domestic legal processes.

White House releases U.S.-China "30-for-30" lists of products recommended for reduced tariff treatment

The White House released on September 27, 2026, "30-FOR-30" lists of U.S. products for import into China and Chinese products for import into the United States that the two countries will consider for reduced tariff treatment on a reciprocal basis, consistent with their respective domestic laws and processes. The release does not name the products, HTS codes, rates or an effective date.

USTR sets FY 2027 tariff-rate quota allocations for raw cane sugar

USTR is providing notice of the allocations of the Fiscal Year 2027 in-quota quantities of the tariff-rate quota for imported raw cane sugar, covering October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. The changes made by the notice are applicable as of September 23, 2026. The notice does not state the allocated quantities or the countries receiving them.

CBP issues guidance on Section 301 China conforming amendment to four product exclusions

CBP states in CSMS # 69990649 that USTR's Federal Register notice 91 FR 56538, published September 2, 2026, amends four Section 301 China product exclusions to conform with HTSUS ten-digit statistical reporting changes effective July 1, 2026, and that ACE will accept the conforming amendment from noon on September 23, 2026. U.S. notes 20(vvv)(i)(4), (i)(5) and (i)(6) under 9903.88.69 now cover statistical reporting numbers 8413.91.9039, 8413.91.9046, 8413.91.9059 and 8413.91.9099, which were previously classified under 8413.91.9065, 8413.91.9085 or 8413.91.9096 through June 30, 2026. U.S. note 20(vvv)(iv)(4) under 9903.88.69 now covers 3926.90.9915 and 3926.90.9920, previously classified under 3926.90.9910.

President directs removal of Canadian origin items from federal civil procurement

A presidential memorandum of September 16, 2026 directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Trade Representative, in coordination with the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, to identify and take all steps permitted by law to remove or make non-available Canadian origin items in the Federal civil procurement system where warranted. The memorandum cites Canada's "Buy Canadian" preferences and provincial limits on U.S. companies, and says Canadian companies have preferential access to U.S. procurement covered under the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, which it states amounts to over $280 billion annually.

White House memorandum directs removal of Canadian-origin items from federal civil procurement

The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Trade Representative, in coordination with the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, to identify and take all steps permitted by law to remove or make non-available Canadian-origin items from the Federal civil procurement system, and to notify agencies of domestic alternatives. The memorandum cites Canada's "Buy Canadian" policy and provincial procurement limits on U.S. companies, and notes Canadian companies' access to U.S. procurement covered under the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement, which it states amounts to over $280 billion annually.

USITC makes final affirmative injury determinations on rebar from Bulgaria, Egypt and Vietnam

The USITC determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of steel concrete reinforcing bar from Bulgaria, Egypt and Vietnam, provided for in HTSUS 7213.10.00, 7214.20.00 and 7228.30.80, that Commerce found to be sold at less than fair value and, for Egypt and Vietnam, subsidized. The determinations were made under section 735(b) of the Tariff Act (19 U.S.C. 1673d(b)) in Investigation Nos. 701-TA-769-770 and 731-TA-1752-1754 (Final) and filed on September 11, 2026. Commissioners Thanhauser and Foley did not participate.

USTR requests comments on foreign trade barriers for the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report

USTR, through the Trade Policy Staff Committee, requests comments to help identify significant foreign barriers to or distortions of U.S. exports of goods and services and U.S. foreign direct investment for inclusion in the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. USTR will also consider responses as part of its annual review of the operation and effectiveness of all U.S. trade agreements in force covering telecommunications products and services. Comments are due October 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, and USTR prefers submissions through Regulations.gov under docket number USTR-2026-0498.

Executive Order 14425 directs review of rancher regulations and possible mandatory beef country-of-origin labeling

Executive Order 14425 of September 4, 2026 directs the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, the U.S. Trade Representative, the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to submit a report to the President within 90 days assessing agency regulations, guidance and policies affecting ranchers and recommending action on financial viability and market access.

USTR amends four Section 301 China product exclusions to conform to USITC HTSUS changes

USTR is making conforming amendments to four product exclusions associated with the Section 301 investigation of China's acts, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation, after the USITC implemented changes to HTSUS statistical reporting categories effective July 1, 2026. The conforming amendments in the Annex to the notice are effective as of July 1, 2026. CBP will issue instructions on entry guidance and implementation.

USTR seeks comments and sets public hearing on Russia's WTO commitments

USTR requests public comments for its annual report to Congress on Russia's implementation of its WTO obligations, with written comments, requests to testify and written testimony due October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, under Docket Number USTR-2026-0497. USTR will hold a public hearing at its offices at 1724 F Street NW, Rooms 1 & 2, Washington, DC, on October 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT.

CIT denies government motion to stay Section 122 tariff injunction pending appeal

The U.S. Court of International Trade denied the government's motion to stay enforcement of its judgment pending appeal in Washington v. United States and Burlap and Barrel, Inc. v. United States, Slip Op. 26-53, Court Nos. 26-01472-3JP and 26-01606-3JP.

CIT grants permanent injunction against Proclamation 11012 Section 122 import surcharge for two importers and Washington

The U.S. Court of International Trade, in Slip Op. 26-47, granted summary judgment and entered a permanent injunction for The State of Washington, Burlap and Barrel, Inc. and Basic Fun, Inc. against duties imposed under Proclamation No. 11012, which invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. § 2312, to impose a temporary import surcharge of up to 15 percent ad valorem. The court dismissed without prejudice the claims of the remaining non-importer plaintiffs, including The State of Oregon and 21 other states and officials, for lack of standing, and denied as moot the plaintiffs' alternative motions for a preliminary injunction.