On May 6, 2026, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a notice initiating its second statutory four-year review of Section 301 tariffs on imports of certain Chinese products initially implemented by the Trump administration in its 2018 investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. The first step
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
CBP Confirms April 20, 2026 Launch of Phase 1 of the IEEPA Tariff Refund Process
On April 10, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) published Cargo Systems Messaging Service (“CSMS”) #68315804, confirming that Phase 1 of the process to refund duties paid by importers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) will launch on April 20, 2026. Known as the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (“CAPE”)
New CIT IEEPA Tariff Refund Case Selected After Dismissal of Lead Case
On April 6, 2026, Senior Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) granted the Notice of Dismissal filed by counsel for Atmus Filtration, Inc. in Atmus Filtration Inc. vs. United States, the lead case seeking refunds of tariffs paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Subsequently, he issued
President Trump Makes Major Changes to Section 232 Tariffs on Aluminum, Steel, and Copper
On April 2, 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
President Trump Announces Section 232 Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
On April 2, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation announcing that the United States will impose on July 31, 2026, a 100% Section 232 tariff on imports of certain pharmaceuticals and associated active pharmaceutical ingredients (“APIs”). The tariff will operate as a floating rate: where a covered product is also subject to a non-duty-free