The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule intending to reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the United States by enforcing a cap and
Continue Reading EPA Issues Final Rule to Phase Down HFCs as White House Announces Measures to Prevent Illegal Imports
May Trade Law Update: Presidential Actions
USTR Publishes Notice on Increase in Section 301 List 3 Tariff Rate
On May 8, 2019, USTR released its federal register notice on the tariff increase for the third tranche (List 3) Section 301 tariffs on China. The duty rate on the estimated $200 billion worth of Chinese products will increase from 10% to 25% effective 12:01am ET on Friday, May 10, 2019. The notice also announces that an exclusion process will be instituted for these products in a separate notice.
The rate increase to 25% means that entries of goods
- entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on May 10, 2019, and
- exported to the United States on or after May 10, 2019 will now be subject to an additional tariff of 25%. Entries must be subject to both qualifiers-meaning that if a shipment has been exported prior to May 10, 2019 it will still be subject to the 10% duty rate. However, if the shipment is exported after 12:01am ET on May 10 the 25% duty rate will apply. To see our full post, click here.
Solar Panel Tariff Creates New Uncertainty
Husch Blackwell’s Jeffrey Neeley authored an article, “Solar Panel Tariff Creates New Uncertainty” that appeared in Law360 this week. The article discusses in depth the proclamation signed by President Trump
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Petition Summary: Large Diameter Welded Pipe from Canada, Greece, India, China, Korea, and Turkey
On January 17, 2018, the American Line Pipe Producers Association filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of Large Diameter Welded Pipe from Canada, Greece, India, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and the Republic of Turkey.
Continue Reading Petition Summary: Large Diameter Welded Pipe from Canada, Greece, India, China, Korea, and Turkey
Commerce Submits Steel Section 232 Report to the President
On Thursday, January 11, the U.S. Department of Commerce formally submitted to the President the results of its investigation into the effect of steel mill product imports on U.S. National Security. The President now has 90 days to decide on any action on steel imports.
Continue Reading Commerce Submits Steel Section 232 Report to the President
Petition Summary: Stainless Steel Flanges From China And India
On August 16, 2017, the Coalition of American Flange Producers, composed of Core Pipe Products, Inc. and Maass Flange Corporation, filed a petition for the imposition of antidumping duties and countervailing duties on imports of Stainless Steel Flanges from the People’s Republic of China and India.
Continue Reading Petition Summary: Stainless Steel Flanges From China And India
Trump Administration Delays Findings on Section 232 Steel Investigation
On Tuesday, July 25, President Trump spoke with The Wall Street Journal, mentioning that the administration would be taking its time on determining whether to restrict steel imports. Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced in April that the Administration would be investigating the effects of steel and aluminum imports on national security under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Although the law gives Commerce 270 days to make its recommendations, their self-imposed deadline on the report for steel was June 30, which came and went with no action.
Continue Reading Trump Administration Delays Findings on Section 232 Steel Investigation
New Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Process Provides Duty Savings Opportunities for Importers
The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) offers importers the opportunity to eliminate or reduce duties assessed on imported raw materials and intermediate products that are not produced in the United States or are unavailable domestically. The MTB’s goal is to aid U.S. manufacturers by reducing duties on inputs (raw materials, parts, etc.), thereby cutting domestic production costs and increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. However, MTB duty benefits have also been granted to imported finished goods. For example, the last MTB granted duty benefits to certain shopping bags, basketballs and sports footwear. Duty savings for U.S. manufacturers under the MTB are anticipated to exceed $700 million annually. Interested importers should not miss the December 12, 2016, deadline to take advantage of these cost savings opportunities.
ITC Determination a Win for U.S. Tape Manufacturers
On Tuesday, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) made an affirmative determination in a five-year (sunset) review concerning pressure sensitive plastic tape from Italy. The was welcome news to the
Continue Reading ITC Determination a Win for U.S. Tape Manufacturers
Husch Blackwell Joins Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates
Husch Blackwell announced today its membership to the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, the leading international trade association representing the specialty chemical industry.
The Washington-based group supports chemical manufacturers with commercial and networking opportunities, advocates for the passage of rational laws and regulations, and works to increase public confidence in the industry.
“We welcome Husch Blackwell as our newest affiliate member, and we encourage them to consider SOCMA a resource with the tools to assist them in not only staying abreast of issues impacting the specialty chemical industry, but environmental stewardship and growing their business,” said SOCMA President and CEO Lawrence D. Sloan. “We look forward to their active participation in the organization.”
Continue Reading Husch Blackwell Joins Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates
Classic Catch 22? Dilemma of Foreign Companies Faced With Comply with US Subpoena and Possible Foreign Sanctions or Violate Subpoena and Possible Domestic Sanctions
On Wednesday, Judge Richard Sullivan of the Southern District of New York relieved the Bank of China from an order issuing $50,000 of daily fines for failing to comply with two subpoenas for information on account holders accused of selling goods counterfeit “Gucci” goods. The matter provides an interesting case study of at least one dilemma facing foreign companies doing business in the United States – whether to comply with a US-issued subpoena knowing that compliance would break foreign law.
Continue Reading Classic Catch 22? Dilemma of Foreign Companies Faced With Comply with US Subpoena and Possible Foreign Sanctions or Violate Subpoena and Possible Domestic Sanctions