International Trade

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has suspended duty-free treatment for low-value imports, effective August 29, 2025. This change mandates enhanced data submissions and electronic processing, significantly impacting procurement strategies for businesses involved in international trade.

The U.S. and Zambia's new MOU promotes U.S. investment in key sectors such as agriculture and energy. This five-year agreement opens significant procurement avenues for U.S. contractors looking to engage in Zambia's growing markets.

Security threats in supply chains from Africa to Southeast Asia disrupt operations and increase costs. Procurement professionals are urged to enhance visibility and build coalitions to address vulnerabilities and ensure continuity.

The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service is offering $3.675 million for the 2026 Borlaug and Cochran Fellowship Programs. This funding aims to enhance U.S. agricultural exports by fostering collaboration and training with international partners, with applications due by August 14, 2026.

The Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce & Industry has signed two MoUs to bolster trade ties with China. These agreements with Bank of Huzhou and CCCME are set to streamline trade processes and enhance investment opportunities for Bangladeshi firms.

The U.S. Department of Labor has invoked the USMCA to review labor violations at Newmont’s facility in Mexico. This action may cause trade disruptions and underscores compliance risks for procurement professionals.

In 2025, Alabama's export economy thrived with **$23.7 billion** in goods, primarily in manufacturing. This robust growth supports **93,000 jobs** and highlights Alabama as a strategic hub for procurement and export opportunities, particularly for SMEs involved in federal contracting.

The U.S. Trade Representative has announced new tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, including key trading partners like the UK, EU, and Canada. This initiative aims to strengthen compliance against forced labor practices, impacting procurement and supply chain operations for U.S. contractors.

The USDA has launched the Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Argentina and Ecuador, aiming to enhance market access for American agricultural producers. This initiative offers procurement professionals opportunities for collaboration with industry representatives and emphasizes the significance of engaging in international trade support and logistics.

The EU and Mexico are finalizing a modernization of their Global Agreement, expanding access to public procurement. This move will allow Mexican companies notable opportunities in GovTech and sustainability sectors, while European firms will benefit from entering the Mexican procurement market, marking a significant shift in bilateral trade relations.

The USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's IP protection policies, following its designation as a Priority Foreign Country. This investigation could result in trade actions that may significantly impact procurement operations involving Vietnamese entities and suppliers.

The U.S. and India have signed a landmark agreement to bolster cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements. This framework aims to decrease reliance on China for these resources, ultimately benefiting the clean energy and defense sectors while presenting new procurement opportunities for contractors.

Bipartisan legislation proposes a $500 million fund to support allied nations in purchasing American-made AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity solutions. This initiative seeks to enhance supply chain security and reduce reliance on Chinese technology. Contractors in relevant sectors should prepare for expanded engagement opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Energy has signed an MOU with Bangladesh to deepen energy cooperation, paving the way for investment in various energy sectors. Contractors should explore opportunities in liquefied natural gas and bioenergy related projects that may arise from this international partnership.

Countries are ramping up procurement strategies to secure maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. This coordination includes naval protection, early warning systems, and increased investments in infrastructure to mitigate vulnerabilities affecting global trade.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and South Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Initiative (KUSPI). This collaboration aims to enhance bilateral commercial shipbuilding and investment, creating significant procurement opportunities for industry stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has reaffirmed tariffs on Chinese OCTG, impacting pricing and availability. This decision reflects continued protection for U.S. producers amidst ongoing trade scrutiny, urging procurement professionals to adapt their sourcing strategies accordingly.

The USTR is holding public hearings from May 5-8, 2026, discussing Section 301 investigations into manufacturing practices in 16 economies. These hearings are crucial for contractors and manufacturers as potential trade remedies could significantly impact procurement strategies, supply chain operations, and market access.

The USDA FAS has awarded **$112,500** to Auburn University to develop a marketing program aimed at Eurasian buyers. This agreement reflects a strategic effort to boost U.S. poultry exports by fostering connections in key international markets.

The USDA is facilitating an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Melbourne from August 30 to September 3, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. agribusiness exports in the Australasian market and provides procurement professionals a chance to engage with international buyers.

The U.S. Central Command has launched Project Freedom, a multi-layered defense initiative designed to protect shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional threats. This operation highlights significant procurement opportunities for defense contractors focusing on missile defense systems, unmanned platforms, and electronic warfare technologies.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 is underway, inviting Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities in the U.S. Supported by various federal agencies, the event highlights avenues for foreign investment and business partnerships. Procurement professionals should engage to leverage this strategic platform for enhancing cross-border collaborations.

Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal's presidency signals a significant push for MSME growth within BRICS+. The upcoming BEA Global Summit in India will be a pivotal stage for procurement opportunities, fostering international trade relations and local partnerships.

The United States Trade Representative announced preferential duty access for UK whiskey, enhancing trade relations between the U.S. and U.K. This development will likely boost procurement opportunities in beverage import/export due to reduced tariffs, which many companies should consider in their sourcing strategies.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is hosting a delegation from Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco to explore American LNG technologies for enhancing regional energy infrastructure. This initiative creates procurement opportunities for American companies, emphasizing international collaboration and the export of U.S. energy technologies.

Maine Governor Janet Mills opposes proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. This stance highlights potential economic disruptions for businesses relying on cross-border trade, particularly in energy. Procurement professionals should recalibrate strategies to mitigate financial risks associated with these tariffs.