USTR Releases 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy

On March 3, 2026, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) officially released its 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. This annual publication is a critical component of the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to combat global intellectual property (IP) infringement. The review identifies prominent online and physical markets around the world that are reported to engage in or facilitate substantial trademark counterfeiting and copyright piracy, highlighting areas of concern for legitimate trade.

For importers, customs brokers, and trade compliance officers, this report serves as an important alert regarding high-risk areas in the global supply chain. The proliferation of counterfeit and pirated goods not only harms brand owners and innovators by eroding their market share and reputation, but also poses significant risks to consumers through potentially unsafe or substandard products. Furthermore, it undermines legitimate trade and can lead to complex compliance challenges for businesses. Understanding the markets identified by USTR can help businesses proactively mitigate their exposure to these illicit activities and ensure the integrity of their imported goods.

The 2025 Review, despite its title, was published in early 2026, specifically on March 3, 2026. This timing provides a current snapshot of the landscape of notorious markets from the preceding year. While the source material for this announcement does not detail specific rates, tariffs, or other numerical metrics, the report itself typically outlines the types of goods involved, the methods used by these markets to distribute infringing products, and the economic impact of such activities.

In light of this release, importers and trade compliance professionals are strongly encouraged to review the USTR's 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy. This review can inform and enhance due diligence practices, particularly when sourcing from regions or through platforms that have been flagged. Companies should reinforce their intellectual property compliance programs, work closely with their customs brokers to ensure thorough screening of shipments, and implement robust supply chain visibility measures to prevent the inadvertent import of counterfeit or pirated merchandise. Staying informed about these notorious markets is a proactive and essential step toward protecting your business and consumers from the risks associated with illicit trade.