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.

RFI Domestic Footwear Manufacturing Processing Advancements

<0>June 1, 2026, this Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center to identify potential sources which will support the re-shoring of the domestic footwear industry, improve capabilities for the domestic military footwear industrial base, and ultimately provide the best performing footwear technology to the Warfighter.

See: SAM Notification.

H.R.7230 - Buying American Cotton Act of 2026

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a domestic cotton consumption credit.

"American cotton growers, especially those in Eastern North Carolina, play a critical role in our nation's farm economy," said Congressman Greg Murphy, "They help supply countless industries with high-quality raw material to produce clothing, home goods, industrial and medical products, and much more. Global competition has made survival for our cotton growers difficult, straining rural communities and destabilizing our supply chain. I am proud to put Eastern North Carolina first by introducing the Buying American Cotton Act to support its rich tradition of producing high-quality cotton for the United States and the world."

Read Representative Murphy's press release HERE.