On June 1, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a Proclamation amending the rates, scope, and administration of the Section 232 tariff regimes for aluminum, steel, and copper and their derivative products. Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 authorizes the president to adjust duties on goods imported in quantities or under circumstances that
USTR Proposes Tariffs of 10% to 12.5% in 60 Section 301 Forced Labor Investigations
On June 2, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued its determination under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that certain acts, policies, and practices of 60 economies related to the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor are unreasonable
USTR in Brazil Section 301 Investigation Determination Proposes 25% Tariffs
On June 1, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued its determination that certain of Brazil’s acts, policies, and practices related to (i) digital trade and electronic payment services; (ii) unfair, preferential tariffs; (iii) anti-corruption enforcement; (iv) intellectual property protection; (v) ethanol market access; and (vi) illegal deforestation are unreasonable and burden
OFAC Publishes Introductory Guide
On June 1, 2026, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), an office of the Department of Treasury, published an “Introduction to the Office of Foreign Assets Control.” OFAC administers and enforces economic sanctions against targeted foreign jurisdictions and regimes, as well as individuals and entities engaging in harmful activity, such as terrorists
USTR Launches Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Intellectual Property
On May 29, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it was launching an investigation of Vietnam under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation will seek to determine “whether Vietnam’s persistent failure to resolve long-standing concerns about intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement is unreasonable or discriminatory and burdens or
President Trump Issues Executive Order Imposing New Sanctions on Cuba
On May 1, 2026, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) titled, “Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy.” Pursuant to the EO, the Secretary of State and/or Secretary of Treasury are able to designate for blocking sanctions any foreign person
Commerce Adds Duty-Free Tariff Code for Section 232 Goods Containing No Aluminum, Steel, or Copper
On April 27, 2026, the Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) published a Federal Register notice adding a duty-free code in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) with retroactive effect to cover goods subject to the Section 232 aluminum, steel, or copper tariff regimes that do not, in fact, contain these metals. This new
CBP Provides CIT Latest Updates on IEEPA Tariff Refunds
On April 14, 2026, U.S. Court of International Trade Senior Judge Richard Eaton held a closed conference in the new lead case, Euro-Notions Florida, Inc. v. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, et al., addressing refunds of duties paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). At the conclusion of the conference, the Judge
OFAC Amends Russia General Licenses Related to Lukoil
On April 14, 2026, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) amended two general licenses to continue authorizing limited transactions under previous sanctions involving Russia’s Lukoil operations.
Russia-related General License 128C, “Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving Lukoil Retail Service Stations Located Outside of Russia.” This amended general license extends until October 29
OFAC Issues General Licenses Authorizing Certain Venezuelan Commercial and Banking Transactions
On April 14, 2026, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued two general licenses in the continuing relaxation of certain sanctions involving Venezuela. These new general licenses authorize certain commercial and banking transactions in the country.
Venezuela General License 56, “Authorizing Commercial-Related Negotiations of Contingent Contracts with the Government