Trade Policy

Industry groups are urging the incoming Democratic-led Congress to revise trade laws, including by requiring congressional approval for some tariffs and improving transparency and economic analysis. Changes could affect contractors’ costs for imported inputs and supply-chain planning, but no legislation, procurement action, or implementation timeline is identified.

As lawmakers resume farm bill negotiations on November 9, 2026, mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef remains a key House-Senate difference. The Senate proposal would task USDA and USTR with identifying a WTO-compliant approach within 180 days and implementing it within one year, but it is not enacted and creates no current procurement requirement.

Senator Kevin Cramer is urging Congress to reauthorize and modernize the Export-Import Bank of the United States before its charter expires on December 31, 2026. Cramer says more than $70 billion in projects—including strategic energy and critical-minerals exports supporting over 45,000 U.S. jobs—could be stranded, making reauthorization timing and proposed risk-management reforms relevant to exporters and contractors.

China extended the suspension of its additional 24% tariff on U.S. imports for two months from November 10, 2026, while the existing 10% tariff remains. The pause on special fees for U.S.-linked vessels runs through January 10, 2027; a proposed $60 billion reciprocal tariff-reduction package remains unfinalized, leaving trade costs and policy exposure uncertain for procurement and logistics teams.

The USITC found a reasonable indication that imports of corrugated die-cut cardboard boxes from China, Malaysia, and Turkey materially injure U.S. industry, allowing Commerce’s antidumping and countervailing duty investigations to continue. No duties have been established; the USITC report is expected by December 18, 2026, giving packaging buyers and suppliers a milestone for assessing sourcing and cost exposure.

The USITC determined that ending antidumping and countervailing duty orders on prestressed concrete steel wire strand from China would likely lead to continued or recurring material injury, so the orders remain in effect. Public-works contractors and government buyers should account for the import restrictions in sourcing and cost assumptions while awaiting the commission’s report, expected December 3, 2026.

The Commerce Department authorized T1 Energy to import up to 1.725 GW of solar cells, supporting its Dallas module factory while its Rockdale cell facility is under construction. The company expects domestic cell production in Q1 2027; the waiver provides a transition period ahead of Section 232 tariffs and minimum import prices scheduled for December 4, 2026.

The U.S. President's new memorandum excludes Canadian goods from federal procurement, mirroring Canada's earlier actions. This decision emphasizes fair trade and may alter procurement sourcing strategies across government agencies.

On September 16, 2026, President Trump mandated the removal of Canadian-origin goods from federal procurement. U.S. contractors need to reassess sourcing strategies amid heightened trade tensions.

Bangladesh's new Import Policy Order 2026-2029 facilitates greater flexibility in import controls, enhancing access to vital food, energy, and raw materials. This shift is set to streamline procurement for industrial users and promote export diversification, aligning local practices with international trade standards.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford, alongside 25 states, is contesting tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from over 80 countries. The lawsuit argues these tariffs exceed legal authority and severely impact procurement costs for U.S. businesses and government agencies.

The USITC has reaffirmed antidumping measures against polyvinyl alcohol imports from China and Japan, citing potential injury to domestic industries. This decision maintains trade protections, affecting cost structures and sourcing strategies for importers while offering some benefits to U.S. manufacturers.

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger urged a reevaluation of federal tariffs impacting the state's agriculture. With the beef cattle industry generating **$712 million**, these tariffs could undermine local producers and affect long-term market stability for Virginia farmers.

The USITC has made affirmative injury determinations impacting hardwood plywood imports from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce will implement corresponding antidumping and countervailing duties, altering the procurement landscape for wood products and affecting supply chain operations.

The USITC continues its investigation into choline salts imports from China, indicating possible trade actions due to alleged unfair practices. This may lead to changes in tariffs or duties affecting procurement strategies for domestic producers and importers of choline salts.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has reaffirmed its antidumping order on hand trucks from China, maintaining restrictions that could hinder imports. This decision requires procurement professionals to navigate compliance requirements and tariff considerations when sourcing these products.

The **US International Trade Commission** has decided to maintain antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of light-walled rectangular pipe and tube from **China**, **Mexico**, **South Korea**, and **Turkey**. This decision aims to protect U.S. manufacturers by preventing potential material injury to domestic industries, impacting procurement strategies in related sectors.

A coalition of 25 states, led by Delaware and Massachusetts, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration's tariffs on imports. These tariffs impact nearly all U.S. imports and pose significant implications for procurement professionals managing supply chain costs and contract pricing.

The U.S. has established a new incentive program tied to aluminum imports, aiming to stimulate domestic production. Companies that invest in smelter expansions or upgrades can import aluminum at reduced tariffs, enhancing procurement opportunities in this sector.

New York State introduces a $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program to assist farmers impacted by federal tariffs imposed in 2025. Producers can apply for financial aid ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 by the August 11 deadline, providing crucial support to offset rising operational costs.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has confirmed that imports of polypropylene boxes from Vietnam have injured the domestic industry. This ruling could lead to new antidumping duties, impacting procurement costs and trade dynamics in the packaging sector.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has affirmed trade measures on wood mouldings and millwork from China, continuing existing tariffs and compliance requirements. This decision has significant implications for contractors and suppliers involved in government projects, potentially affecting sourcing and supply chain strategies.

The U.S. International Trade Commission has reaffirmed trade remedies for Vietnamese frozen fish fillets, indicating ongoing tariffs. This impacts seafood importers and compliance strategies for procurement professionals, who must adapt to retained trade measures.

The USITC has voted to advance investigations into Tris imports from China due to potential unfair trade practices. This decision may lead to significant changes in procurement practices and compliance requirements for the U.S. chemical manufacturing sector, particularly for entities involved in federal procurement.

The U.S. government has altered tariff regimes on aluminum, steel, and copper imports, effective June 8, 2026. This change expands the range of derivative products subjected to reduced tariffs and introduces new thresholds for American-made content. Contractors must reassess supply chains and verify compliance to avoid penalties.

The U.S. Trade Representative has identified Brazilian trade policies as restrictive to U.S. commerce, proposing potential trade actions. This move could significantly affect U.S. companies engaged in commerce with Brazil, particularly in digital trade and agriculture, necessitating proactive strategies for compliance and supply chain adjustments.

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched a Section 337 investigation concerning patent infringements related to coated confectionery products. This inquiry may lead to significant consequences, including import restrictions, affecting stakeholders in the confectionery supply chain.

The USITC has confirmed that existing trade orders on citric acid from China will remain, preventing potential injury to U.S. manufacturers. This decision supports domestic producers and impacts procurement strategies for chemical imports.

The USITC has recommended implementing a tariff-rate quota on quartz imports to support domestic producers. This measure introduces a structured tariff schedule that could significantly affect procurement strategies for contractors dealing with quartz products.

The USTR and the EU have unveiled a new Action Plan aimed at bolstering critical minerals supply chains. This initiative is expected to enhance cooperation and compliance, opening new avenues for businesses involved in critical minerals across the Atlantic.