Approved by Congress and signed by President Trump on January 29, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is one big step closer to entering into force. Mexico was first to ratify the trade pact on June 19, 2019. Canada’s House of Commons will be taking up the USMCA this...
The Broad-Gauge Impact of Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Starting in March of 2018, the Trump Administration has deployed tariffs and import quotas on select steel and aluminum products under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which authorizes these measures to control imports in the cause of national security....
U.S. and Canada’s Ongoing Lumber Dispute
Since 1982, the softwood lumber market has been a hot topic between the United States and Canada. Both countries are heavy producers with the United States producing an average of 2.9 billion board ft. (bbf) per month and Canadian sawmill’s producing 2.37 bbf/month....
U.S. Renewable Energy Trends: Measuring the Balance
The U.S. is due to swing back to a net exporter of energy in four years, with some help from increasing domestic consumption of renewable energy. But what about overall U.S. renewable energy trends? Early indicators reveal mixed results. In February, the U.S. Energy...
Market Changers: U.S. Section 232 Aluminum and Steel Tariffs
Imposed by presidential proclamations March 8, effective March 23, the new U.S. aluminum and steel tariffs do not apply to imports from NAFTA partners Canada and Mexico. Commerce Dept. is accepting applications to exclude products needed by domestic downstream...
U.S. Deploys Protective Tariffs on Solar Panels, Washing Machines
Delivering on a promise to defend domestic industries, the U.S. raises protective tariffs on solar panels, washing machines; finds cause for new duties on alloy aluminum sheet from China. New protective tariffs on solar panels, washing machines and (coming soon) alloy...
10 Bellwether Trends in International Trade
Here are 10 trends in international trade with high potential to change the course of U.S. import-export trade in the year ahead. 1. Shifting Currents in Global Energy Flows The lifting of restrictions on U.S. oil exports together with the shale revolution have...
Split Decision: ITC Offers Choice of Outcomes in Solar Imports Case
The U.S. renewable energy industry awaits a decision in the Section 201 solar imports case that could result in protective tariffs on crystalline silicon photovoltaic (CSPV) cells and modules. After agreeing that a surge in solar imports is causing harm to domestic...
U.S. Opens AD/CVD Investigation into PET Resin Imports
Commerce Dept. considers whether imports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from five countries harm domestic producers. Canada launches its own inquiry into PET resin imports. The U.S. Commerce Dept. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced October 17 the...
U.S. Ethanol Exports Face New Tariffs
Rising U.S. ethanol exports are facing new tariffs in key markets – first China and now Brazil. Will protectionism reshape the renewable fuels market? U.S. ethanol exports have been hit with a new tariff by top market Brazil. Industry watchers, who keep close tabs on...