On May 6, 2020, Secretary Wilbur Ross announced that the Department of Commerce will initiate an investigation into whether the quantities or circumstances of imports of mobile cranes into the United States threaten to impair the national security. This investigation is the result of a petition filed by The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (Manitowoc) on December
Export-Import Bank Launches “Strengthening American Competitiveness” Initiative
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has announced the launch of its “Strengthening American Competitiveness“ initiative aimed at supporting the Program on China and Transformational Exports (“China Program”). This program focuses on enabling U.S. exports to obtain financing support comparable to such support for Chinese exports to enhance global leadership of exports from
USTR Issues Notice Seeking Public Comment on Extending China Section 301 List/Tranche 3 Product Exclusions Set to Expire in August 2020
On May 6, 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on whether extensions for up to 12 months should be granted for particular products that have received exclusions in the China Section 301 process from the 25 percent tariffs on imports from China with an
USITC Releases Database Identifying Imported Products Needed for COVID-19 Response; House Ways and Means Chairman Calls for Suspension of Tariffs on Affected Products
On May 4, 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released the results of its investigation to identify imported products related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. The report and database identify 112 U.S. Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) numbers covering a “mix of COVID-19 related” goods, including test kits/instruments; disinfectants and sterilization products; pulse oximeters and
USTR Issues Additional China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for List/Tranche 3 Products
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice exempting Section 301 tariffs for certain List 3 (imports from China with an annual trade value of $200 billion) products. The exemptions cover two 10-digit Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) subheading and 144 specially-prepared product descriptions, which cover 185 separately submitted exclusion
CFIUS Filing Fees Go Into Effect May 1, 2020
On April 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Investment Security published an interim rule in the Federal Register that establishes a range of fees for formal written voluntary notices filed on or after May 1, 2020 with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The interim rule largely
USTR Seeks Public Comments on Possible Extension of July 2019 Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for Imported Chinese Products on List/Tranche 2
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the possible extension of Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain products that it granted on July 31, 2019, in the ongoing trade dispute with China. These exclusions were granted as part of the second round of Section
USTR Seeks Comments on Possible Extension of July 2019 Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for Imported Chinese Products on List/Tranche 1
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the possible extension of Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain products that it granted on July 9, 2019, in the ongoing trade dispute with China. These exclusions were in the sixth batch of exclusions granted as part
BIS Tightens Export Controls on National Security-Controlled Items: Focus on Diversion for Military End Use in China, Russia and Venezuela
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued two final rules and one proposed rule intended to prevent efforts by entities in China, Russia and Venezuela to acquire U.S. technology that could be used in development of weapons, military aircraft or surveillance technology through civilian supply chains or under civilian-use pretenses.
Thyssenkrupp Materials NA, Inc. Becomes Latest U.S. Aluminum and Steel Importer to Challenge Section 232 Duties
On April 21, 2020, Thyssenkrupp Materials NA, Inc., and several of its related operating divisions filed a complaint in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) against the United States alleging that the federal government’s administration of Section 232 aluminum and steel duties is unconstitutional. Thyssenkrupp is a Michigan-based importer of aluminum and steel products