FDA: Agency Deploys Agentic AI Capabilities for Staff Use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the rollout of agency-wide agentic AI tools designed to support employees with complex, multi-step tasks. These systems build on the FDA’s earlier deployment of its LLM-based tool, Elsa—currently used voluntarily by a majority…

CBP: Agency Opens CTPAT Pilot Program to Both Asset- and Non-Asset-Based 3PLs as December 2025 Launch Nears

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is moving forward with the start of its updated CTPAT pilot program for third-party logistics providers (3PLs), issuing a new notice as the launch date approaches. Since 2008, the agency has allowed 3PLs to participate…

FMC: Maritime Regulator Collects $1.35 Million in Penalties Over Tariff Violations

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has collected a total of $1.35 million in civil penalties from two ocean transportation intermediaries for alleged violations of tariff and service requirements under U.S. shipping law. The enforcement action involved one vessel-operating common carrier…

Year-End Insights Webinar 2: What’s Changing & What to Watch

Trade Trends & Hot Topics for 2026! In this webinar Star USA’s Michael D. Easton talks about how to use strategic thinking to navigate today’s challenges. He identifies several of the problems he’s faced this year and describes how he…

USTR: Expanded Reciprocal Tariff Exclusions for Agricultural Products

Effective November 13, additional exclusions from reciprocal tariffs are now in force for a broader range of agricultural products. Newly excluded items include coffee and tea; tropical fruits and fruit juices; cocoa and spices; bananas, oranges, and tomatoes; beef; and…

CBP: Upcoming Discontinuation of DIS for Outbound Cargo Declarations

On December 1, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will retire the Document Image System (DIS) as a method for submitting outbound cargo documentation. After this date, CBP will no longer accept CBP Form 1302A (Cargo Declaration), CBP Form…

DOC: Mexico’s Countervailing Cases Set to Expire as Continuation Possible

Several countervailing duty cases in Mexico are approaching expiration. Domestic manufacturers, however, have the option to petition for their continuation, potentially extending protections for U.S. industries. Read More

DOJ: Australian Contractor Pleads Guilty to Selling U.S. Cyber Tools to Russia

An Australian national, who worked for a US defense contractor sold cyber tools to a Russian broker who then sold them to the Russian government. They were meant solely for the U.S. government and allies. Over 3 years, at least…

BIS: Implements New Rule Automatically Extending Entity List and MEU Restrictions to Affiliates

On September 30, 2025, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued an interim rule that significantly broadens the scope of U.S. export controls by redefining how “Affiliates” are treated under the Entity List and Military End-User (MEU) List frameworks.…

USTR: Proposes Section 301 Vessel Fees and 100 Percent Tariffs on Port Equipment

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced plans on October 10, 2025, to implement new Section 301 measures affecting vessel operators and certain cargo equipment. Key changes include setting service fees for foreign-built vehicle carriers at $46 per net ton, removing…

Year-End Insights Webinar 1: What We Learned in 2025

Key Changes, Shifts & Surprises in Trade This Year! How have you survived 2025 and how do you plan to weather 2026? In this webinar Star USA’s president, Michael D. Easton, was joined by Lee Mersek, president of Global Resilience…

USTR: New Section 301 Fees Imposed on Chinese-Owned, Operated, and Built Vessels, Plus All Foreign Vehicle Carriers

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new Section 301 fees targeting certain vessels with ties to China, as well as all foreign-built vehicle carrier vessels. These fees apply to vessels that are owned, operated, or…