On January 15, 2026, the United States and Taiwan agreed to a trade deal to establish “a strategic economic partnership … to decisively strengthen U.S. domestic semiconductor supply chains and secure America’s technological and industrial leadership.” While the text and full terms of the trade deal were not released, the Department of Commerce released a
Supply Chain
CBP Issues WRO on Garments and Apparel Manufactured in Mauritius
On November 18, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the issuance of a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against garments, apparel, and textiles manufactured in Mauritius by Firemount Group Ltd. The WRO follows an investigation into the company where CBP discovered several indicators of forced labor use, including abuse of vulnerability, debt bondage, deception…
United States and Guatemala Reach Framework Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
On November 13, 2025, the United States and the Republic of Guatemala entered a framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The Agreement aims to strengthen the countries’ economic partnership established in 2006 under the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”). While representatives from both countries continue to negotiate and finalize the formal…
United States and El Salvador Reach Framework Agreement on Reciprocal Trade
On November 13, 2025, the United States and the Republic of El Salvador entered a framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The Agreement aims to strengthen the countries’ economic partnership established in 2006 under the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement (“CAFTA-DR”). The framework agreement is one of several reached by the…
CBP Issues WRO on Bicycles Manufactured in Taiwan
On September 24, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against bicycles, bicycle parts, and bicycle accessories produced by Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in Taiwan. The WRO follows an investigation into the company where CBP discovered several International Labour Organization (ILO) forced labor indicators, including abusive working and living…
New Process Announced for Adding Automobile Parts to Section 232 Tariffs
In Proclamation 10908, “Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts into The United States,” on March 26, 2025, President Trump ordered the Secretary of Commerce to create a process for including additional automobile parts for passenger vehicles and light trucks to Section 232 tariffs on imports. A new interim final rule published on September 17…
BIS Now Accepting Requests to Add Products to Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
On September 17, 2025, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a Federal Register notice that it will again accept requests for new derivative products to be subject to Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum articles. The request window is open from September 15 through September 29, 2025. Requests must provide detailed information…
USTR Initiates Public Consultation Process for USMCA Joint Review
Update: On November 7, 2025, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a notice rescheduling the public hearing on the operation of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA). Originally scheduled for November 17, the hearing will now take place from December 3 to 5…
DOJ and DHS Launch Joint Trade Fraud Task Force: What Multinational Companies Need to Know
On August 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a new Trade Fraud Task Force, an interagency initiative aimed at “robust enforcement” against importers and other parties who defraud the United States by evading tariffs or importing prohibited goods. The task force will coordinate closely with DHS agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border…
FinCEN Issues Advisory and Financial Trend Analysis on Chinese Money Laundering Networks
Continuing U.S. Enforcement Targeting of Cartels and Related Support
On August 28, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued Advisory FIN-2025-A003 and an accompanying Financial Trend Analysis to alert U.S. financial institutions of the significant and escalating threat posed by Chinese money laundering networks (CMLNs).
The first component, Advisory FIN-2025-A003, urges vigilance in detecting…
