In a recent decision, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) concluded that aluminum extrusions imported from a range of countries, including China, India, and Mexico, do not harm the U.S. industry. This ruling comes after the U.S. Department of Commerce identified that these imports were being sold in the U.S. at prices below fair market value and were subsidized by the governments of China, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey. The Commission’s decision was split, with Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voting against the notion of injury, while Chair Amy A. Karpel supported it. Commissioner Rhonda K. Schmidtlein did not participate in the vote. As a result, no additional tariffs or duties will be imposed on these aluminum products,

Starting October 1, 2024, Taiwan’s Highway Bureau will implement stricter regulations on container size and weight limits. For 20-foot containers, the total weight limit is set at 31.5 tons, which includes approximately 11 tons for the tractor and trailer and around 2.5 tons for the empty container, leaving a cargo weight limit of 18 tons. For 40-foot containers, the total weight limit is 42 tons, with 12.5 tons for the tractor and trailer and about 5 tons for the empty container, resulting in a cargo weight limit of 24.5 tons.   These new regulations are expected to increase shipping costs, particularly impacting the steel industry. The local steel industry, already facing weak demand, may struggle to remain competitive with the

National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. Press Release September 17, 2024   More than 175 trade organizations, including NCBFAA, signed a letter that was sent to President Biden on Tuesday, Sept. 17, urging the administration to aid in facilitating continued master contract negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). If a new contract is not reached before the end of this month, the ILA leadership is prepared to strike container terminals from Maine to Texas, starting Oct. 1. The trade organizations warned the Biden administration that a “strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend.” The last

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has implemented a new benefit for Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Trade Compliance partners.   Subject to the conditions further described below CBP has determined that importers who are CTPAT Trade Compliance partners, in good standing, may utilize an FTZ for the storage of goods subject to potential forced labor enforcement action.      In order for importers who are CTPAT Trade Compliance partners to utilize these benefits, they must identify to CBP which FTZ Operator they will use to store these goods and receive Port Director approval prior to the movement of the goods. The FTZ Operator must have an active Type 4 bond, FIRMS Code, and be in compliance with all

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) today announced final modifications concerning the statutory review of the tariff actions in the Section 301 investigation of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. The proposed modifications announced in May 2024 were largely adopted, with several updates to strengthen the actions to protect American businesses and workers from China’s unfair trade practices following the review of more than 1,100 comments from the public.  “Today’s finalized tariff increases will target the harmful policies and practices of the People’s Republic of China that continue to impact American workers and businesses,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai. “These actions underscore the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to