Notice of Determination in Brazil 301 Investigation

On June 4, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (91 FR 33854) Notice of Determination and Request for Comments Concerning Action Pursuant to Section 301: Brazil’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation.

SUMMARY: The United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) has determined that certain of Brazil’s acts, policies, and practices at issue in this investigation are actionable under Section 301(b) and Section 304(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act). The Trade Representative is proposing action, including tariffs on articles of Brazil and certain exemptions, and invites comments from the public.

DATES: July 1, 2026: Due date for written comments.

White House issues new executive order to strengthen customs enforcement, protecting U.S. consumers and businesses

On June 3, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to strengthen customs enforcement, protecting U.S. consumers and businesses.The Order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen several requirements for importers of record (IORs). Examples include:

• increasing bonding requirements and requiring IORs to maintain at all times a minimum level of tangible domestic assets, bonding, or both;

• subjecting foreign IORs to heightened requirements for formal entry;

• authorizing only U.S. IORs to file informal entry;

• imposing a “good standing” requirement on all IORs; and 

• increasing vetting procedures for all individuals and entities that conduct activities directly related to the importation of goods.

The Order directs DHS and CBP to establish various disclosure and certification requirements designed to combat duty evasion and noncompliance with supply chain rules.

The Order directs DHS and CBP to increase enforcement of existing customs laws, including by establishing a 50% minimum penalty floor limiting CBP’s discretion to reduce the assessed penalties on importers who violate our customs laws. 

The Order directs DHS to enhance the seizure and disposal of non-compliant imports, including by reducing regulatory burdens to voluntary abandonment and authorizing third-party disposal.

The Order directs DHS to enhance transparency in customs, including by publishing annual transparency reports.

The Order directs DHS to propose legislation to strengthen customs enforcement.  

PROMOTING ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND NATIONAL SECURITY BY COMBATTING CUSTOMS FRAUD: President Trump recognizes the critical role of customs enforcement to our national security and that action is needed to address longstanding issues with the existing regulatory environment.

• Customs enforcement is essential to the national security and economy of the United States. For example, it prevents the importation of unlawful and dangerous goods, and it ensures that IORs are accountable for duties owed and comply with numerous federal laws, including laws governing forced labor and product safety.
• Customs reform is long overdue. Systemic inefficiencies, loopholes, insufficient enforcement mechanisms, and outdated processes have created opportunities for malign actors to evade federal law.
• The Order addresses these longstanding concerns through comprehensive reform focused on protecting national security, promoting lawful trade, ensuring the timely collection of duties, modernizing systems and processes, bolstering compliance mechanisms, and protecting Americans and the domestic economy. 
• The Order also brings U.S. customs policy and practice in line with many of our trading partners. For example, the current practice of most foreign countries is to either prohibit foreign entities or persons from serving as the IOR or generally require that foreign importers partner with verified domestic parties. This practice promotes compliance and accountability while reducing barriers to enforcement.  
• The reforms directed in the Order will not take effect immediately. In general, DHS and CBP will engage with relevant stakeholders through the standard rulemaking process, meaning affected parties will have a meaningful opportunity to adjust operations, if needed.

The Order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen several requirements for importers of record (IORs). Examples include:

• increasing bonding requirements and requiring IORs to maintain at all times a minimum level of tangible domestic assets, bonding, or both;
• subjecting foreign IORs to heightened requirements for formal entry;
• authorizing only U.S. IORs to file informal entry;
• imposing a “good standing” requirement on all IORs; and 
• increasing vetting procedures for all individuals and entities that conduct activities directly related to the importation of goods.
• The Order directs DHS and CBP to establish various disclosure and certification requirements designed to combat duty evasion and noncompliance with supply chain rules.
• The Order directs DHS and CBP to increase enforcement of existing customs laws, including by establishing a 50% minimum penalty floor limiting CBP’s discretion to reduce the assessed penalties on importers who violate our customs laws. 
• The Order directs DHS to enhance the seizure and disposal of non-compliant imports, including by reducing regulatory burdens to voluntary abandonment and authorizing third-party disposal.
• The Order directs DHS to enhance transparency in customs, including by publishing annual transparency reports.
• The Order directs DHS to propose legislation to strengthen customs enforcement.  

PROMOTING ECONOMIC STRENGTH AND NATIONAL SECURITY BY COMBATTING CUSTOMS FRAUD: President Trump recognizes the critical role of customs enforcement to our national security and that action is needed to address longstanding issues with the existing regulatory environment.

• Customs enforcement is essential to the national security and economy of the United States. For example, it prevents the importation of unlawful and dangerous goods, and it ensures that IORs are accountable for duties owed and comply with numerous federal laws, including laws governing forced labor and product safety.
• Customs reform is long overdue. Systemic inefficiencies, loopholes, insufficient enforcement mechanisms, and outdated processes have created opportunities for malign actors to evade federal law.
• The Order addresses these longstanding concerns through comprehensive reform focused on protecting national security, promoting lawful trade, ensuring the timely collection of duties, modernizing systems and processes, bolstering compliance mechanisms, and protecting Americans and the domestic economy. 
• The Order also brings U.S. customs policy and practice in line with many of our trading partners. For example, the current practice of most foreign countries is to either prohibit foreign entities or persons from serving as the IOR or generally require that foreign importers partner with verified domestic parties. This practice promotes compliance and accountability while reducing barriers to enforcement.  
• The reforms directed in the Order will not take effect immediately. In general, DHS and CBP will engage with relevant stakeholders through the standard rulemaking process, meaning affected parties will have a meaningful opportunity to adjust operations, if needed.

Vietnam 301 Investigation Initiated

On June 2, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (91 FR 33285) Initiation of Section 301 Investigation and Request for Public Comments: Vietnam’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 182(a)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act), the U.S. Trade Representative (Trade Representative) identified Vietnam as a priority foreign country due to Vietnam's denial of adequate and effective protection of intellectual property (IP) rights and its denial of fair and equitable market access to persons that rely on IP protection. Pursuant to section 302(b)(2) of the Trade Act, the Trade Representative is initiating a Section 301 investigation of the acts, policies, and practices of the Government of Vietnam related to IP protection and enforcement that resulted in the identification of Vietnam as a priority foreign country. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) proposes to determine that these acts, policies, and practices are actionable under section 301(b). USTR invites interested persons to submit written comments concerning the issues covered in the investigation.

AAFA Submits Comments to USTR on AGOA Modernization

On May 15, 2026, the American Apparel and Footwear Association submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Represntative Comments on AGOA Modernization.

Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract to Fechheimer Brothers Company for Black USMC WOOL Overcoats

June 2, 2026, This is a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 and Part 13 procedures.

Description of Requirement: The Marine Corps requires the procurement of black wool overcoats for male and female Marines in accordance with USMC uniform specifications. The requirement includes:

• Female Wool Coat: 55 each

• Male Wool Coat: 235 each

The coats must meet the following characteristics:

• Fabric & Color:

  • 100% Melton wool, “Marine Blue” (appears nearly black), heavy-weight for warmth and durability.

• Construction & Style:

  • Double‑breasted, knee‑length design with six front USMC buttons.

  • Plain sleeves sized to properly cover shirt and service coat.

  • Rear vent for mobility and comfort.

  • Shoulder epaulets and notched/peak lapel collar compatible with USMC rank insignia placement.

  • Back waist belt with matching gold buttons for proper fit and appearance.

• Additional Features:

  • Functional hip pockets.

  • Suitable for ceremonial and practical wear.

  • Must meet all USMC uniform standards for appearance and construction.

Intended Sole Source Vendor: Fechheimer Brothers Company Cincinnati, Ohio Manufacturer Part Number: 921B9119C

Capability Statement Submission: All responsible sources may submit a capability statement, quotation, or proposal for consideration. Submissions must demonstrate the ability to manufacture and deliver USMC‑specification wool overcoats matching the exact construction, fabric, color, and uniform requirements listed above, including the six‑button USMC bridge‑coat design and all associated tailoring features.

See: SAM Notification.

Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States

On May 28, 2026, the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; the Office of the United States Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (91 31818 Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of a Trade and Security Agreement Between the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States.

Made in China 2025 and China’s Industrial Policies

On June 2, 2026, the Congressional Research Service published Made in China 2025 and China’s Industrial Policies (IF10964). The People's Republic of China (PRC or China) aims to gain a global economic and technology leadership position through a range of industrial and science and technology (S&T) plans. Such plans inform PRC economic, industrial, S&T, and foreign trade and investment policies. They also guide PRC government and corporate strategies and activities at the national, local, and global levels. The industries, projects, and technologies featured in the plans reflect co-developed PRC civilian and military priorities that are to receive preferential financial and policy support. PRC plans and related policies feature a heavy government role in directing and funding PRC firms to acquire foreign technology and related capabilities in areas in which China has gaps and the United States has long been a global leader and has strong comparative advantages. Some Members of Congress have expressed concern that PRC policies, if successful, could undermine U.S. technological leadership; further shift advanced technology, production, and research to China; and support China's advancements, including in defense. The scope and scale of PRC efforts are evident in the amount of state direction and support devoted to these efforts; PRC policies to lead in all parts of global supply chains; and the targeting of foreign capabilities.

China's Industrial Policy Approaches

Tax, trade, and investment measures. China uses tax preferences to incentivize foreign firms to invest in production and R&D. China introduces market access restrictions as domestic products become viable. China uses standards, IP, competition, and procurement policies to facilitate the transfer of foreign production and know-how to China and to require the use of PRC suppliers.

Forced JVs and partnerships. China's formal regulations and informal practices require a foreign firm to partner with a PRC entity to operate in China and drive foreign firms into JVs. In many sectors (e.g., aerospace), China leverages its role as a major purchaser to press for JVs and technology transfer in order to develop indigenous capabilities. In most cases, the foreign firm's partner is a state firm or the PRC government.

Government subsidies. PRC government guidance funds (GGFs) channel state funding to PRC firms for domestic R&D and overseas acquisitions. GGFs often take a stake or board seat in firms they fund and can influence corporate decisionmaking.

Foreign acquisitions. GGFs target and fund acquisitions of foreign firms and use foreign firms' expertise, IP, talent pools, and business networks to build China's capabilities.

Technology licensing and equipment. Foreign technology and equipment fill key gaps in China's current capabilities. PRC firms are members of U.S.-led open-source technology platforms (e.g., RISC-V, the Open Compute Project, the O-RAN Alliance).

Talent recruitment and training. China encourages the return of PRC expatriates and the hiring of foreign talent. Many PRC technology firms have U.S. R&D centers. Many PRC nationals participate in U.S. federally funded research in areas that overlap with MIC2025 technologies.