USMCA: Unlocking the Benefits of Other FTAs

Unlocking the Benefits of FTAs! With all of the changes happening in international trade, it’s important to know how free trade agreements (FTAs) work and how to use them correctly! In this webinar Star USA’s Michael D. Easton talks about…

BIS: U.S. Revokes License-Free Exports for Foreign Chip Fabs in China

In 2023, the Validated End-User (VEU) program was expanded to allow a select group of foreign semiconductor manufacturers to export most U.S.-origin goods, software, and technology license-free to manufacture semiconductors in China. No U.S.-owned fab has this privilege — and…

DOF: Mexico Blocks Footwear in Maquiladoras and Plans Tariff Hikes on China

Recently Mexico announced their intent to not allow footwear into the Maquiladora. The headings for footwear were added to the list and published in the Gazette here. The Gazette shows a list of all headings not allowed in the Maquiladora.…

USCB: $2.2B in July Steel Imports, Slightly Up From June but Down Year-to-Date

The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that preliminary July steel imports were $2.2 billion (2.0 million metric tons) compared to the preliminary June totals of $2.1 billion (2.0 million metric tons). The July change in steel imports based on metric…

U.S. Security Agencies Warn Researchers of Foreign Efforts to Illegally Obtain Sensitive Technology

U.S. national security agencies have issued new guidance urging universities and researchers to be vigilant against attempts by foreign governments, including China, to unlawfully acquire research and export-controlled technologies. The advisory highlights risks tied to foreign talent programs and international…

Justice: $12.4M Settlement Reached After Quartz Importer Misrepresented Goods to Evade Duties

A 12.4 million dollar settlement was reached with the DOJ after evading duty owed on chines quartz surface products, such as for countertops, by misrepresenting the goods and not paying ADCVD. Read More

Department of State: 17 Individuals Debarred from ITAR-Regulated Activities, Compliance Vigilance Urged

The Department of State warns, all persons engaged in activities subject to the ITAR should be vigilant in their compliance with all export control regulations and ensure that their activities do not involve debarred persons. A link to the federal…

EEI Filings: When, How, & Who’s Responsible

What to include, when they’re needed, and who does what? It’s easy for EEI to be a low priority for freight forwarders, shippers, and customs brokers, but you’re still responsible for filing it! In this webinar Michael D. Easton from…

HHS: U.S. Executive Order Mandates 6-Month Medication Stockpile

An executive order called for the stockpiling of 6 months of medication. This could be for national security as the order states. However, could also be away to help mitigate the future ramifications of the investigation under section 232 on…

USITC: Investigation Launched on 2028 Harmonized Tariff Schedule Changes to Align with Global Standards

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) instituted an investigation, Recommended Modifications in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 2028, that will lead to recommendations to the President on necessary changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to align…

CBP: Section 232 Tariffs Expanded to Copper

As of August 1st, copper tariffs under section 232 come into effect for imports. Steel and aluminum will have company, as copper tariffs will most likely behave similarly and require importers to know the value and net weight of the…

CBP: De Minimis Threshold Eliminated for All Countries

Starting August 29th, de minimis is ending for imports of ALL countries, including Canada, Mexico, and (of course) China. Importers of record (IORs) will have to classify every single good they are importing, which will be a strain on brokers…