Connect with the right partners. Strengthen your program. Export compliance doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you know where to turn for help. This session features Star USA’s president Michael D. Easton alongside Nate Ward from the SBDC Export…
Trade News
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…
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…
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…
DOJ: Los Angeles Clothing Importer Sentenced for $17 Million Tax Evasion and $8 Million Customs Fraud in Operation Take Back America
The Department of Justice announced the sentencing of a wholesale clothing importer based in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District for orchestrating a large-scale customs fraud and tax evasion scheme. Federal prosecutors detailed how the company systematically undervalued imported apparel, primarily…
MOFCOM: China Tightens Grip on Rare Earth Exports, Imposes New Restrictions on Key Tech and Energy Materials
China has introduced new export control and licensing requirements covering rare earth-related materials and technologies that underpin the digital economy, automotive manufacturing, and energy transition. The measures aim to strengthen oversight of strategically important resources, signaling a tighter regulatory environment…