- The USTR issued a determination and report in January 2025 finding that China’s acts, policies, and practices of in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors burden or restrict U.S. commerce and are actionable under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
- The USTR is proposing actions that could include significant port service
Tariffs Against Canada and Mexico Enter Into Force March 4, 2025
The Trump administration implemented tariffs against Canada and Mexico effective March 4, 2025, arising from declared national emergencies at both the northern and southern U.S. borders pursuant to the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA).
Implementation of Tariffs
On March 3, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued draft Federal Register notices (to be
Tariffs Against China and Hong Kong Increase to 20% on March 4, 2025
On March 3, 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order to further address the synthetic opioid supply chain in China by increasing the current tariffs on all products of China (and Hong Kong) from 10% to 20%. China immediately responded by announcing that it will implement additional tariffs of up to 15% on key
Trump Administration Initiates Section 232 Investigation into Imports of Timber and Lumber that May Lead to New Tariffs
On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) initiating an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine the effects on national security of imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products (including paper products, furniture and cabinetry) dumped into the U.S. market. The EO states
President Trump Issues Executive Orders on Use of the De Minimis Exemption for Imports from Canada and Mexico
The White House issued two Executive Orders on March 2, 2025 amending the February 1, 2025 Executive Orders Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border and Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border (see Thompson Hine Update of February 3, 2025). The March 2 amendments
Trump Administration Initiates Section 232 Investigation into Imports of Copper and Copper Derivatives That May Lead to New Tariffs
On February 25, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) initiating an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to determine the effects on national security of imports of copper in all forms, including but not limited to: (i) raw mined copper; (ii) copper concentrates; (iii) refined copper; (iv) copper alloys; (v) scrap copper
USTR Announces Proposed Actions in Response to China’s Targeting of Maritime and Shipbuilding Sectors; Seeks Public Comment
On February 21, 2025, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced its proposed actions in response to an earlier determination finding that China was targeting the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance. This determination followed an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This determination authorizes actions in response. USTR has proposed
President Trump Issues America First Investment Policy Memorandum Impacting FDI into the U.S. and Outbound Investment to Foreign Adversaries
On February 21, 2025, President Trump issued the America First Investment Policy Memorandum (“Memorandum”). The Memorandum aims to promote foreign direct investment (FDI) from “allies and partners” while restricting inbound investment from and outbound investment to “foreign adversaries,” such as China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and the Nicolás Maduro
USTR Seeks Public Comment on Unfair and Non-Reciprocal Foreign Trade Practices
On February 20, 2025, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it is seeking comments from the public to identify and address unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices. This initiative is part of the broader America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum and the Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Presidential Memorandum.
The
White House Releases Annexes of Steel & Aluminum Derivative Items Subject to Section 232 25% Tariffs
On February 14, 2025, the White House released annexes specifying steel (see page 24) and aluminum (see page 19) derivative items that will be subject to the 25% tariffs under Section 232, as announced by President Trump on February 10, 2025. For further details, refer to our blog post of February 12, 2025.
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