Breaking Trade News: UFLPA Strategy Update, New Steel & Aluminum Product Categories, $12M AD/CVD Fine
Here is a recap of the latest customs and international trade news:
Administration
- The U.S. and EU released a joint statement announcing that the U.S. will lower tariffs on EU goods covered by the automotive Section 232 action from 25% to 15% as soon as the EU acts to eliminate its industrial tariffs.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- CBP released an EAPA enforcement update, revealing that from January 20 to August 8, 2025, CBP uncovered more than $400 million in unpaid trade duties through EAPA investigations.
- CBP released new guidance on the additional goods subject to Section 232 tariffs for steel and aluminum derivatives.
- CBP released a ruling in which the agency denied an importer’s request to use the first sale in determining transaction value. CBP determined that the importer did not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate “bona fide sales.”
- CBP released a Harmonized System Update containing 21 Harmonized Tariff Schedule records and 52 Automated Broker Interface records.
- CBP officers in Indianapolis seized a shipment containing Cartier designer counterfeit watches. If the watches had been genuine, they would have been worth more than $4 million.
Department of Justice (DOJ)
- The DOJ announced that a countertop importer agreed to pay $12.4M to settle claims it evaded AD/CVD duties on goods from China.
- A New Jersey man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a global export control and sanctions evasion scheme.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- DHS added additional UFLPA high-priority sectors and released the UFLPA 2025 Strategy Update.
- DHS, in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, is imposing conditions of entry on vessels arriving in the U.S. from North Korea due to concerns about ineffective antiterrorism measures.
Department of Commerce
- Commerce announced the addition of 407 product categories to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by Section 232 sectoral tariffs.
- 50% Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives took effect on August 18, 2025.
Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- Updates to the Specially Designated Nationals list.
United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- USTR is seeking public comments to assist in the preparation of its annual report to Congress on China’s compliance with its obligations as a Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- USTR is requesting comments in its 2025 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (Notorious Markets List). Comments are due October 1, 2025.
- USTR announced the country-specific quota allocations on imported raw cane sugar, refined sugar, and sugar-containing products for FY 2026.
Congress
- Several House Representatives from Texas sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asking him to reverse his decision to end the tomato suspension agreement with Mexico.
Industry News
- Six major automotive manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Stellantis, and Toyota— sent a joint letter to suppliers, requiring a unified industry approach to forced labor due diligence.
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