📰 Tariff Newsletter
Latest news and updates on US trade tariffs and import regulations.
United States Seeks Mexico's Review of Alleged Denial of Workers’ Rights at Compañía Hulera Tornel, S.A. de C.V.
On January 8, 2025 , the United States announced it is formally seeking Mexico's review concerning alleged denials of workers' rights at Compañía Hulera Tornel, S.A. de C.V. This action represents a direct request from the U.S. government to its Mexican counterpart to investigate the conditions and practices at the specified company in relation to labor rights. The primary parties directly affected by this developmen…
USTR Requests USITC Investigation of Trade Distribution Effects on MSMEs in Underserved Communities
On December 27, 2024 , the United States Trade Representative (USTR) formally requested that the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) initiate an investigation. This investigation will focus specifically on the "Trade Distribution Effects on Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Underserved Communities." This action by the USTR signals a strategic interest in understanding how internat…
USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation on China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Targeting of the Semiconductor Industry for Dominance
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on December 23, 2024, the initiation of a new Section 301 investigation. This investigation targets specific acts, policies, and practices by China that the USTR believes are aimed at securing dominance in the global semiconductor industry. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is a powerful tool that allows the USTR to investigate and respond to fo…
Mexico Increases Import Duties for Textile and Apparel Imports and Amends the IMMEX Program | News & Events - Clark Hill
Importers and trade compliance professionals should be aware of significant upcoming changes in Mexico's trade policy. Mexico is set to increase import duties for textile and apparel products and implement amendments to its IMMEX (Manufacturing, Maquila, and Export Services Industry) Program. This information was published on December 23, 2024 . These adjustments will directly affect businesses involved in the import…
Statement from USTR Spokesperson Sam Michel on the African Growth and Opportunity Act Eligibility Review
On December 21, 2024 , a statement was issued by Sam Michel, Spokesperson for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) , concerning an African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Eligibility Review . While the full details of this statement were not provided in the initial announcement, the subject indicates an ongoing assessment of countries participating in this vital trade preference program. The …
USTR Publishes 2024 Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of Russia’s World Trade Organization Commitments
On December 20, 2024 , the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the publication of its annual report titled "2024 Report on the Implementation and Enforcement of Russia’s World Trade Organization Commitments." This release marks a significant, recurring event in the U.S. government's ongoing assessment of Russia's adherence to its international trade obligations as a member of the World Trade Organizat…
United States Announces Successful Resolution of Rapid Response Labor Mechanism Matter at Odisa Facility
The United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on December 20, 2024 , the successful resolution of a Rapid Response Labor Mechanism (RRLM) matter concerning an Odisa facility. The Rapid Response Labor Mechanism is a key enforcement tool under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), specifically designed to address alleged denials of workers' rights to freedom of association and collective bargaini…
Statement from USTR Spokesperson Sam Michel on the African Growth and Opportunity Act Eligibility Review
On December 20, 2024, Sam Michel, a spokesperson for the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), issued a statement regarding the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Eligibility Review. This announcement indicates that the USTR is actively engaged in assessing the eligibility of countries participating in or aspiring to participate in the AGOA program. The African Growth and Opportunity Act is …
Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai on Uzbekistan’s Work Toward Accession to the World Trade Organization
On December 19, 2024, Ambassador Katherine Tai, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), issued a statement concerning Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts towards accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). For importers and trade compliance professionals, a country's work toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a significant development. WTO accession is a comprehensive and multi-stage process where…
Readout of the Second Meeting of the U.S. - Japan Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains
On December 18, 2024 , the U.S. - Japan Task Force on the Promotion of Human Rights and International Labor Standards in Supply Chains held its second official meeting. This significant gathering brought together representatives from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Th…