USTR Modifies Certain Aspects of Section 301 Ships Action and Proposes Further Modifications to the Action

WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced modifications to certain aspects of the responsive action to restore American shipbuilding that it took on April 17, 2025 and solicited public comments on several proposed further modifications to that action.

The modifications and proposed modifications announced today follow USTR requests for public comment made in Federal Register notices published on April 23, 2025and June 12, 2025. They reflect USTR’s consideration of public comments received in response to these notices, as well as consultations with petitioners and advisory committees.

Significant aspects of the modifications announced today include: (1) changing the basis for calculating service fees on vessel operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers and setting the fee at $46 per net ton, as of October 14, 2025; (2) eliminating, retroactive to April 17, 2025, a provision permitting the suspension of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export licenses if certain restrictions on the use of foreign-built vessels are not met; and (3) imposing tariffs of 100 percent on certain ship-to-shore cranes and cargo handling equipment.

https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/october/ustr-modifies-certain-aspects-section-301-ships-action-and-proposes-further-modifications-action

CSMS # 66492057 - GUIDANCE: Section 232 Import Duties on Timber, Lumber, and their Derivative Products

The purpose of this message is to provide guidance on the implementation of Proclamation 10976, “Adjusting Imports of Timber, , and Their Derivative Products into the United States,” (September 29, 2025). See 90 FR 48127.

BACKGROUND

Proclamation 10976 imposes ad valorem duties pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1862), imposing ad valorem duties ranging between 10 percent and 25 percent on imports of softwood lumber, upholstered wooden furniture products, and completed kitchen cabinets/vanities and parts. 

GUIDANCE

This guidance provides instructions for importers, brokers, and filers on submitting entries to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of merchandise subject to tariffs imposed by Proclamation 10976. 

The additional duties are effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 14, 2025.

Softwood Timber and Lumber

9903.76.01: Applies to imports of softwood timber and lumber products from all countries classified under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) provisions:

4403.11.004403.23.014403.26.014406.91.004407.13.004403.21.014403.24.014403.99.014407.11.004407.14.004403.22.014403.25.014406.11.004407.12.004407.19.00

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3f69699?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

Guidance – Implementation of Tariff-Related Elements of the United States-European Union Framework Agreement CSMS 66336270

Executive Order (EO) 14346, “Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements” signed on September 5, 2025, directed and authorized the Secretary of Commerce (Commerce), the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take all necessary actions to implement and effectuate EO 14346, and further directed Commerce and USTR to determine whether the United States must take any action to implement a final trade and security framework agreement between a foreign trading partner and the United States, including any necessary modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) through notice in the Federal Register. 

Based on the authorization of EO 14346, Commerce and USTR are publishing a notice in the Federal Register to modify the HTSUS as they, in consultation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), have determined to be necessary and appropriate to effectuate the EO and the Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade (the EU Framework Agreement) that was announced by the United States and the European Union (EU) on August 21, 2025. On September 24, 2025, Commerce posted, “Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of the U.S.-EU Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade” (2025-18660.pdf), with the relevant HTSUS modifications for public inspection in the Federal Register, with a scheduled publication date of September 25, 2025.  CBP’s updated guidance below is based on the HTSUS modifications announced in this notice scheduled for publication on September 25, 2025. Read More→

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3f4360e?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

USITC Releases The Year in Trade 2024

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today released The Year in Trade 2024, its annual overview of developments regarding the administration of U.S. trade laws and trade agreements.

The Year in Trade is one of the government's most comprehensive reports available regarding activities related to U.S. trade policies, agreements, and laws. This report is the 76th in a series of annual reports submitted to the U.S. Congress under section 163(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2213(c)) and its predecessor legislation.

The publication provides an overview of actions under U.S. international trade laws, activities of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and select multilateral institutions, and developments regarding U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) and U.S. bilateral trade relations with major trading partners in 2024. In addition, topics covered in The Year in Trade 2024 include:

• The global trade environment in 2024

• U.S. safeguard, antidumping, countervailing duty, intellectual property rights infringement, national security, and section 301 investigations and actions during 2024

• U.S. trade preference programs, including the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences; African Growth and Opportunity Act; the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, including initiatives for Haiti; and the Nepal Trade Preferences Act

• WTO dispute settlement and other significant activities in the WTO

• Activities under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and trade initiatives under negotiation, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-century Trade, and the U.S.-Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership

• Implementation and enforcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and other U.S. FTAs in force

• Trade patterns and developments in trading relationships with selected major U.S. partners—the European Union, Canada, Mexico, China, and the United Kingdom

USITC Releases The Year in Trade 2024 | United States International Trade Commission

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that revoking the existing countervailing duty order on chlorinated isocyanurates from China would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing order on imports of these products will remain in place. 

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on this five-year (sunset) review.

The Commission’s public report on Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China (Inv. No. 701-TA-501 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5677, October 2025) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the review.

The report will be available by November 1, 2025; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website.  

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Chlorinated Isocyanurates from China | United States International Trade Commission

CBERA Has Minor Impact on U.S. Economy, Small but Positive Gains for Beneficiary Nations, Imports Decreased in 2024, Says USITC

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) continues to have a small effect on the overall U.S. economy but provides a positive benefit to participating countries, according to a new report released today, Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, Twenty-Seventh Report, 2023–24, published by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, today issued its 27th biennial report monitoring U.S. imports under the CBERA program. CBERA took effect on January 1, 1984, and offers preferential tariff treatment to most products of the 17 designated beneficiary countries in the Caribbean.

The publication covers the impact of CBERA, as modified by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA) and the HOPE and HELP Acts, on the United States, with emphasis on 2023 and 2024. CBERA requires the USITC to prepare a report every two years that assesses both the actual and the probable future effect of the CBERA program on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. imports, industries, and consumers. The report also covers the impact of the preference program on the beneficiary countries. 

The following are highlights from the latest report:

• The overall effect of imports under the CBERA program on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. imports, industries, and consumers continued to be small in 2023–24. For U.S. industries, the overall effect of the program on domestic production, employment, and operating profits was also small. The USITC identified two U.S. industries—methanol and T-shirts—that most likely have faced slight negative effects due to competition from CBERA imports. However, the estimated job losses in these two industries were outweighed by small increases in exports by U.S. yarn and fabric industries, whose products are used in the manufacture of apparel in Haiti.

• U.S. imports receiving preferential treatment under CBERA totaled $1.8 billion in 2024, a notable decline of 34.5 percent from $2.8 billion in 2022.

  • The decline in imports under the program from 2022 to 2024 is attributed to reduced imports of textiles and apparel from Haiti; other mining and manufactured products, including methanol, from Trinidad and Tobago; and crude oil from Guyana.

CBERA Has Minor Impact on U.S. Economy, Small but Positive Gains for Beneficiary Nations, Imports Decreased in 2024, Says USITC | United States International Trade Commission

SUSPENDING DUTY-FREE DE MINIMIS TREATMENT FOR ALL COUNTRIES

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Background.  In Executive Order 14193 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties To Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border), I declared a national emergency regarding the unusual and extraordinary threat to the safety and security of Americans, including the public health crisis caused by fentanyl and other illicit drugs and the failure of Canada to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept drug trafficking organizations, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs.  In that order, I determined that it was necessary and appropriate to, among other things, suspend duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) for articles described in section 2(a) and section 2(b) of that order.  In Executive Order 14226 of March 2, 2025 (Amendment to Duties To Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border), I paused the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment on such articles until I received a notification from the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) that adequate systems are in place to fully and expeditiously process and collect duties for such articles that would otherwise be eligible for duty-free de minimis treatment.

Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries – The White House

USTR Seeks Public Comment on the Joint Review of USMCA

September 16, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced a public consultation process in advance of the joint review (Joint Review) of the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA or Agreement) on July 1, 2026. As directed by Congress, USTR is seeking public comments on the operation of the Agreement. In addition, USTR will hold a public hearing on November 17. This consultation process is required by U.S. law.

The focus for solicited public comments includes, but is not limited to:

• Any aspect of the operation or implementation of the USMCA;

• Any issues of compliance with the Agreement;

• Recommendations for specific actions that USTR should propose ahead of the Joint Review;

• Factors affecting the investment climate in North America and in the territories of each Party, as well as the effectiveness of the USMCA in promoting investment that strengthens U.S. competitiveness, productivity, and technological leadership; and

• Strategies for strengthening North American economic security and competitiveness, including collaborative work under the Competitiveness Committee, and cooperation on issues related to non-market policies and practices of other countries.  

The deadline for submission of comments is 45 days from publication of the notice in the federal register.

To view the Federal Register Notice, click here.

The Federal Register notice published also invites the public to express interest in participating in a public hearing. To request to participate in the hearing, click here. Requests to appear and the summaries of testimony must be received 45 days from publication of the notice in the federal register.

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USTR Seeks Public Comment on the Joint Review of USMCA | United States Trade Representative

Overhead Door Counterbalance Torsion Springs from China Injure U.S. Industry, Says USITC

The United States International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of overhead door counterbalance torsion springs from China that the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value and are subsidized by the government of China. 

The Commission also determined that critical circumstances do not exist with respect to subject imports from China that were subject to Commerce’s affirmative determinations with respect to critical circumstances in its antidumping and countervailing duty determinations.

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, Commerce will issue an antidumping duty order and a countervailing duty order on imports of this product from China.

The Commission’s public report on Overhead Door Counterbalance Torsion Springs from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-746 and 731-TA-1724 (Final), USITC Publication 5675, September 2025) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 28, 2025; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website.

Status of proceedings, links to relevant documents, and more information about the investigations can be found at the Commission’s Investigations Database System (IDS).

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0915_67552.htm

CBERA Has Minor Impact on U.S. Economy, Small but Positive Gains for Beneficiary Nations, Imports Decreased in 2024, Says USITC

The Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) continues to have a small effect on the overall U.S. economy but provides a positive benefit to participating countries, according to a new report released today, Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, Twenty-Seventh Report, 2023–24, published by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).

The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, today issued its 27th biennial report monitoring U.S. imports under the CBERA program. CBERA took effect on January 1, 1984, and offers preferential tariff treatment to most products of the 17 designated beneficiary countries in the Caribbean.

The publication covers the impact of CBERA, as modified by the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act of 2000 (CBTPA) and the HOPE and HELP Acts, on the United States, with emphasis on 2023 and 2024. CBERA requires the USITC to prepare a report every two years that assesses both the actual and the probable future effect of the CBERA program on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. imports, industries, and consumers. The report also covers the impact of the preference program on the beneficiary countries. 

The following are highlights from the latest report:

• The overall effect of imports under the CBERA program on the U.S. economy generally and on U.S. imports, industries, and consumers continued to be small in 2023–24. For U.S. industries, the overall effect of the program on domestic production, employment, and operating profits was also small. The USITC identified two U.S. industries—methanol and T-shirts—that most likely have faced slight negative effects due to competition from CBERA imports. However, the estimated job losses in these two industries were outweighed by small increases in exports by U.S. yarn and fabric industries, whose products are used in the manufacture of apparel in Haiti.

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0912_67522.htm

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Vaporizer Devices, Cartridges Used Therewith, and Components Thereof (II)

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain vaporizer devices, cartridges used therewith, and components thereof. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of JUUL Labs, Inc. of Washington, D.C., on August 8, 2025. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain vaporizer devices, cartridges used therewith, and components thereof that infringe the patent asserted by the complainant. The complainant requests that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. 

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

• NJOY, LLC, Scottsdale, Arizona

• NJOY Holdings, Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona

• Altria Group Distribution Company, Richmond, Virginia

• Altria Client Services LLC, Richmond, Virginia

• Altria Group, Inc., Richmond, Virginia

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1460), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission. 

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0909_67531.htm

USTR Seeks Public Comment on Section 301 Investigation of China's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation

September 15, 2025

WASHINGTON – Today, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced that it is seeking public comment on whether any of the exclusions in effect in the Section 301 Investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation warrant further extension. The 178 exclusions were extended on September 2, 2025 and are scheduled to expire on November 29, 2025.

As explained in a formal notice, USTR is requesting public comments on whether any of the 178 exclusions in effect warrant further extension beyond November 29, 2025.

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https://ustr.gov/about/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2025/september/ustr-seeks-public-comment-section-301-investigation-chinas-acts-policies-and-practices-related

GUIDANCE: Extension of Section 301 China Product Exclusions. CSMS # 66077997

The purpose of this message is to provide guidance on the extension of certain product specific exclusions and certain manufacturing equipment exclusions from Section 301 duties on imports of Chinese goods through November 29, 2025.

BACKGROUND
On August 29, 2025, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the extension of 164 product specific exclusions and 14 exclusions covering certain manufacturing equipment subject to Section 301 duties through November 29, 2025.

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality for the acceptance of these exclusions is immediately available.

GUIDANCE
Instructions for importers, customs brokers, and filers on submitting entries to CBP containing granted exclusions by the USTR from Section 301 measures:

For the list of Harmonized Schedule Tariff of the United States (HTSUS) classifications covered by Section 301 exclusions under HTSUS 9903.88.69 and 9903.88.70, refer to Federal Register notices 89 FR 46948 and 89 FR 76581. Read More→

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3f0452d?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

GUIDANCE: Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries. CSMS # 66065494

Pursuant to the Executive Order (EO) “Suspending Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment for All Countries,” issued on July 30, 2025, goods of all countries entering the United States will no longer be eligible for the administrative exemption from duty and certain tax at 19 U.S.C. § 1321(a)(2)(C) effective 12:01a.m. on August 29, 2025. Accordingly, all goods not identified in 50 U.S.C. 1702(b) may not receive so-called “de minimis” clearance to enter duty and tax free regardless of their value, country of origin, mode of transportation, or method of entry.

As of August 29, 2025, requests for de minimis entry and clearance for ineligible shipments will be rejected. Specifically, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will enact the following changes in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE):

• ACE will reject all Section 321 manifest filings submitted via electronic data interchange (EDI)

• CBP will remove the option to file Section 321 manifests in the Truck Manifest Trade Portal

• ACE will reject all entry type 86 cargo release EDI transactions

Updates to the applicable manifest and cargo release implementation guides are forthcoming and will be available on CBP’s ACE CATAIR webpage.

Beginning on August 29, filers will be required to submit an appropriate formal or informal entry type filed in ACE, except for shipments sent through the international postal network, along with payment of all applicable duties, taxes, and fees. Paper informal entries for goods subject to this EO are not permitted. Read More→

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3f01456?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

Guidance-Additional Duties on Imports from India. CSMS # 66027027

Executive Order (EO) 14329, “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation” signed on August 6, 2025, was issued pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.  This EO sets additional ad valorem duty on imported articles of India, due to India’s direct or indirect importation of oil from the Russian Federation.  The purpose of this message is to provide guidance on the additional duties on imports that are the product of India.

GUIDANCE

APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL DUTY RATES

For articles that are the product of India, that are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 27, 2025, the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification and additional duty rate apply under heading 9903.01.84:

All imports of articles that are products of India, other than products classifiable under headings 9900.01.85 - 9900.01.89 and other than products for personal use included in accompanied baggage of persons arriving in the United States, will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of 25%.

The duty rate specified in heading 9903.01.84, HTSUS, applies in addition to the additional duty on articles of India imposed by EO 14257, “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits,” as amended, as well as all other applicable duties (including antidumping and countervailing duties), taxes, fees, exactions, and charges, applicable to such imports.

EXEMPTIONS

The following HTSUS headings apply to products that are exempted from the additional ad valorem duties imposed by the August 6, 2025, EO “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation”: Read More→

https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCBP-3ef7e13?wgt_ref=USDHSCBP_WIDGET_2

USITC Votes To Continue Investigations on Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled into Modules, from India, Indonesia, and Laos

August 29, 2025
News Release 25-099
Inv. No(s). 701-TA-772-774 , 731-TA-1756-1758
Contact: Jennifer Andberg , 202-205-1819

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured due to imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from India, Indonesia, and Laos that are allegedly sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of India, Indonesia, and Laos.

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative.

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations of imports of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules, from India, Indonesia, and Laos, with its preliminary antidumping duty determinations due on or about December 24, 2025, and its preliminary countervailing duty determinations due on or about October 10, 2025.

The Commission’s public report of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled into Modules, from India, Indonesia, and Laos (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-772-774 and 

731-TA-1756-1758 (Preliminary), USITC Publication 5665, September 2025) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the investigations.

The report will be available by October 7, 2025; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0829_67472.htm

USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Review Concerning Sugar from Mexico

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that termination of the existing  suspended investigations on sugar from Mexico would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the suspension of the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of these products from Mexico will remain in place. 

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report, Sugar from Mexico (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-513 and 731-TA-1249 (Second Review), USITC Publication 5664, September 2025), will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by October 3, 2025; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website.

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time. Read More→

https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0828_67467.htm

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Certain Child Car Seats

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) voted to institute an investigation of certain child car seats. The products at issue in the investigation are described in the Commission’s notice of investigation.

The investigation is based on a complaint filed on behalf of Wonderland Switzerland AG of Steinhausen, Switzerland; Iron Mountains, LLC of Morgantown, Pa.; Nuna International B.V. of Leiderdorp, Netherlands; Nuna Baby Essentials, Inc. of Morgantown, Pennsylvania; Joie International Co. Ltd. of  Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; Joie Children’s Products, Inc. of Morgantown, Pennsylvania; and Graco Children’s Products Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia, on July 24, 2025. Supplements to the complaint were filed on July 30, 2025, and August 13, 2025. 
The complaint, as supplemented, alleges violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the United States and sale of certain child car seats that infringe certain claims of the patents asserted by the complainants. The complainants request that the USITC issue a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders.  

The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:

• Dorel Juvenile Group, Foxboro, Mass.

• Dorel Industries Inc., Westmount, Canada

• Guangdong Roadmate Group Co., Ltd., Zhongshan, China

• Roadmate Trading (Hong Kong) Limited, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

• Zhongshan Roadmate Juvenile Products Co., Zhongshan, China

By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1459), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.

The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.

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https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2025/er0825_67454.htm

USTR Extends Certain Exclusions from China Section 301 Tariffs

Billing Code 3390-F4

OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Notice of Product Exclusion Extensions: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

ACTION: Notice.

SUMMARY: In prior notices, the U.S. Trade Representative modified the actions in the Section 301 investigation of China’s acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation by excluding from additional duties certain products of China. This notice announces the U.S. Trade Representative’s determination to further extend the current exclusions.

DATES: The modifications announced in the annexes to this notice further extend the exclusions through November 29, 2025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions about this notice, contact Senior Associate General Counsel Philip Butler at (202) 395-5725. For specific questions on customs classification or implementation of the product exclusions, contact traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

On December 29, 2023, USTR invited the public to submit comments on whether to extend 352 previously reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-related exclusions. See 88 FR 90225 (December 29, 2023) (the December 29, 2023 notice). On May 30, 2024, 2 USTR announced the extension of 164 of these exclusions through May 31, 2025. See 89 FR 46948 (May 30, 2024) (the May 30, 2024 notice).

https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Press/Releases/2025/FRN%20to%20Extend%20Exclusions%20to%20Nov%202025%20-%20Final%2008272025.pdf

Department of Commerce Closes Export Controls Loophole for Foreign-Owned Semiconductor Fabs in China

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) closed a Biden-era loophole that allowed a handful of foreign companies to export semiconductor manufacturing equipment and technology to China license-free. Now these companies will need to obtain licenses to export their technology, putting them on par with their competitors.

The loophole is known as the Validated End-User (VEU) program. In 2023, the Biden Administration expanded the VEU program to allow a select group of foreign semiconductor manufacturers to export most U.S.-origin goods, software, and technology license-free to manufacture semiconductors in China. No U.S.-owned fab has this privilege — and now, following today’s decision, no foreign-owned fab will have it either.

Former VEU participants will have 120 days following publication of the rule in the Federal Register to apply for and obtain export licenses. Going forward, BIS intends to grant export license applications to allow former VEU participants to operate their existing fabs in China. However, BIS does not intend to grant licenses to expand capacity or upgrade technology at fabs in China.  

Jeffrey Kessler, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, stated:  

“The Trump Administration is committed to closing export control loopholes — particularly those that put U.S. companies at a competitive disadvantage. Today’s decision is an important step towards fulfilling this commitment.”

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https://www.bis.gov/press-release/department-commerce-closes-export-controls-loophole-foreign-owned-semiconductor-fabs-china