IEEPA Refunds Advance, Broker Crackdowns, and Digital Trade Rules
NEWSLETTER | Trade Insight AI
CBP Moves to Broaden IEEPA Refunds; Fate of Liquidated Entries Unclear
STR Trade Report • June 12, 2026
CBP is advancing IEEPA tariff refunds via CAPE, with roughly $95 billion accepted for processing and nearly $24 billion sent to Treasury; Phase 2 (target June 29) will include reconciliation entries, and Phase 3 (as early as late July) could add more categories, including cases requiring reliquidation for importers that sued at the CIT. DOJ maintains CBP cannot refund finally liquidated entries without a court order and is appealing the CIT’s universal injunction, leaving those refunds uncertain. Importers should ensure CAPE-eligible claims are complete and set for electronic payment, monitor liquidation dates, and consider timely protests or CIT litigation amid ongoing uncertainty.
Enforcement & Compliance Actions
CBP Revokes Hundreds of Customs Broker Licenses for Reporting Lapses
STR Trade Report •June 12, 2026
U.S. Customs and Border Protection revoked hundreds of customs broker licenses for failing to file the triennial status report required under 19 CFR 111.30. The action bars affected brokers from transacting customs business; importers should confirm their brokers’ license status and secure alternatives to prevent clearance delays, while brokers review compliance with status-report content requirements.
U.S. AD/CVD Roundup: Cranes Affirmed, PC Strand Continued, Shrimp Revised
STR Trade Report •June 11, 2026
Commerce finalized dumping margins of 12.36–20.00% on lattice boom crawler cranes from Japan; continued the AD/CVD orders on pre‑stressed concrete steel strand from Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and Thailand effective June 2; set 2023 review rates of 2.27–2.40% for finished carbon steel flanges from India; and amended the Thailand shrimp review (Feb 1, 2023–Jan 31, 2024) with margins from 0 to 26.66%. The ITC also issued preliminary affirmative injury determinations in the AD/CVD cases on tris and tris HCl from China, signaling updated cash deposit/assessment rates ahead and continued duty exposure for affected imports.
Cincinnati CBP intercepts $19M counterfeit luxury watches and accessories
CBP Media Releases •June 11, 2026
On June 3, CBP officers at the Port of Cincinnati seized a Colombia-origin parcel bound for a Puerto Rico residence containing counterfeit luxury goods—including high-end watches, branded hats, and designer eyewear—valued at $19.26 million MSRP if genuine. CBP’s trade experts confirmed trademark infringement and seized the shipment, underscoring ongoing IPR enforcement focused on small-parcel e-commerce; the agency notes over 90% of counterfeit seizures occur in international mail and express channels. Importers, brokers, and express carriers should expect continued scrutiny of low-value packages and strengthen supplier verification and brand authorization controls to mitigate seizure risk.
FMC Revokes 25 OTI Licenses; Shippers Should Verify Counterparties
STR Trade Report •June 11, 2026
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced the revocation of 25 ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses. Revocations generally follow voluntary surrender by the OTI or failure to maintain a valid bond. Shippers and NVOCCs should confirm counterparties’ status in the FMC OTI database and reassign bookings as needed to avoid disruption and potential penalties.
Tariffs, Origin & Market Access
U.S. Caps Taiwan 232 Tariffs at 15%; Aircraft Parts Exempt
STR Trade Report •June 11, 2026
The Commerce Department and USTR implemented tariff elements of a U.S.–Taiwan MOU, modifying Section 232 measures for certain Taiwanese goods effective for entries on or after May 1, 2026. The update caps combined (inclusive of MFN) rates at 15% for automobile parts—including a certified-use track for U.S. production/repair—and for timber, lumber, and wood derivatives, and removes Section 232 duties on civil aircraft components made of steel, aluminum, and copper. This notice does not implement the separate reciprocal trade agreement, which has not yet entered into force.
Tariff Caps Clarified, 301 Targets Forced Labor, Mexico–Korea Drop FTA
STR Trade Report •June 11, 2026
The U.S. signaled it will honor tariff ceilings in arrangements with the EU, Japan, and others, indicating any Section 301 actions would be capped—offering greater predictability on potential duty exposure. USTR’s new 301 focus on forced labor faces evidentiary tensions that could affect timing and scope of measures even as supply-chain scrutiny intensifies. Separately, Mexico and South Korea abandoned FTA talks in favor of a cooperation framework positioning Korea as a strategic industrial partner aligned with Mexico’s high-value manufacturing and regional content goals, with implications for North American sourcing strategies.
CBP Shifts E‑Scooter Origin to Taiwan; Reclassifies Heaters, Hubs
STR Trade Report •June 11, 2026
Effective for entries and warehouse withdrawals for consumption on or after July 31, CBP’s June 1 Customs Bulletin finalizes several origin and classification changes. HQ H344999 modifies NY N344694 to determine certain seated, solar‑equipped e‑scooters are of Taiwanese origin for Section 301 because the Taiwanese frame—not the Chinese solar panels—imparts the essential character. CBP also reclassifies automotive coolant heaters under HTSUS 8419.89.95 (4.2% duty) instead of 8419.50.50 (duty‑free), revoking prior rulings, and classifies a 7‑port USB 3.0 hub as an ADP unit under 8471.80.10 (duty‑free) rather than 8517.62.0050.
South Africa launches safeguard probe on SACU office paper imports
WTO Latest News •June 7, 2026
South Africa has initiated a safeguard investigation, effective 5 June 2026, into imports of A3 and A4 office paper into the Southern African Customs Union and notified the WTO on 8 June. Interested parties must register and submit written comments or hearing requests to ITAC within 20 days of initiation (by 25 June 2026), with detailed public summaries for any confidential information. If increased imports are found to cause serious injury, temporary restrictions such as duties or quotas could follow, so exporters and importers should prepare data and respond promptly.
Digital Trade & Data Modernization
Global digital trade pact targets mid-2027 entry with 45 ratifications
WTO Latest News •June 8, 2026
Co-sponsors of the E‑Commerce Agreement set an ambitious but feasible goal to bring the pact into force by mid‑2027 by securing 45 ratifications, while 67 members—covering roughly 70% of global trade—have committed to implement it through interim arrangements. Co‑convenors outlined information sessions, capacity-building, and AI‑supported needs assessments (with World Bank and IDB partners) to accelerate domestic approvals and implementation, as more members reported ratification progress. Businesses should monitor national ratification timelines as baseline rules for cross‑border digital trade move toward entry into force and eventual incorporation into the WTO rulebook.
CBP Pilots Real-Time Pipeline Data Standards for Canada/Mexico Oil Imports
STR Trade Report •June 12, 2026
CBP will launch on July 2 a yearlong pilot to test global interoperability standards for collecting new, near real-time data on crude oil imported by pipeline from Canada and Mexico, inviting importers of record, pipeline operators, and customs brokers to participate. Participants will upload bilateral transaction documents and dynamic ownership/destination updates to a platform feeding the ACE crude oil testing environment, enabling secure, step-by-step supply chain visibility. CBP will use results to consider expansion and regulatory updates, improve monthly pipeline report reconciliation, and strengthen FTA country-of-origin compliance checks.
STDF 2025 Report: Scaling SPS Innovations as 96 Countries Go ePhyto
WTO Latest News •June 7, 2026
Following World Food Safety Day on 7 June, the WTO‑hosted STDF released its 2025 Annual Report, the first under its 2025–2030 strategy to scale SPS innovations through public‑private and regional partnerships. The report cites measurable gains: 96 countries now exchange electronic phytosanitary certificates (ePhyto), all 16 SADC members adopted harmonized biopesticide registration guidelines, Jamaica cut hot pepper interceptions by 88%, and across 33 countries 53 SPS measures were strengthened while 8,000+ stakeholders were trained. With record demand (380 applications) amid falling ODA, STDF urges partner investment to replicate proven SPS solutions that cut compliance costs and expand market access for developing exporters.
WTO System & Transparency Watch
WTO Anchors 72% of Trade as Reforms, Digital Rules Progress
WTO Latest News •June 9, 2026
At DMCC’s Future of Trade 2026 launch in London, WTO DDG DJ Nordquist said the WTO remains the baseline for commerce—72% of global merchandise trade still moves on MFN terms—with 166 members and active plurilateral efforts on services regulation, investment facilitation, and e-commerce. She urged reform and noted that despite the lapsed e-commerce moratorium, Geneva talks continue alongside provisional application by 66 members and a 23-member no-duties pledge; WTO monitoring of the Strait of Hormuz shows roughly 70% of 78 measures have facilitated trade. For businesses, the takeaway is sustained predictability and transparency even amid slower 2026 trade growth, as digital trade and supply chain governance evolve.
WTO committee mulls PSI modernization, reviews 34 valuation notifications
WTO Latest News •June 7, 2026
The WTO Committee on Customs Valuation discussed potential follow-ups on preshipment inspection (PSI), including updating PSI notifications and modernizing the Agreement’s Independent Entity, following an April session with private-sector input and member case studies. Members reviewed 34 customs valuation notifications—among them Côte d’Ivoire’s first—and completed legislative reviews for Belize, The Gambia, Moldova, Nepal, and Paraguay, while the WCO flagged technical implementation questions and ICC briefed on circular economy, carbon credits, and e-commerce fulfillment centers. Indonesia again challenged Mexico’s use of “estimated prices,” which Mexico said targets tax evasion rather than determining customs value; with consultations continuing and the next meeting on 23 November, businesses should watch for PSI process updates and implications for valuation compliance.
Tonga files first WTO fisheries subsidy notification with Fish Fund support
WTO Latest News •June 8, 2026
Tonga submitted its first notification under the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 3 June, the first filing enabled by the WTO Fish Fund and a transparency milestone for the Pacific. Prepared during a May workshop in Nuku’alofa, the filing advances compliance on RFMO-related reporting; with CHF 15.7 million committed to the Fund, newly approved grants are expected in July and could accelerate implementation across other developing members.
Operations, Infrastructure & Legal Notices
San Luis I Port Starts 4-5 Month Upgrade; Expect Delays
CBP Media Releases •June 8, 2026
CBP will begin construction at the San Luis I Port of Entry vehicle lanes on June 20, 2026, with work expected to last four to five months to install new equipment. Vehicle processing will continue, but travelers should anticipate delays and monitor CBP Border Wait Times via the website or mobile app. Cross-border carriers and brokers should build buffer time into schedules to mitigate potential disruptions.
FMC Leaves 2026 Maritime Civil Penalties Unchanged for Key Violations
STR Trade Report •June 12, 2026
The Federal Maritime Commission will keep maximum civil monetary penalties unchanged for 2026, keeping year-over-year compliance exposure steady for carriers, NVOCCs, and shippers. Caps include up to $2,626,135 for foreign practices that adversely impact U.S. carriers and $2,364,503 for adverse shipping conditions; willful Shipping Act violations remain $74,943 ($14,988 otherwise), with other maxima such as $149,887 for operating after tariff suspension, $118,225 for operating after tariff or service contract suspension, $11,823 for failure to provide required reports, and $14,308 under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act.
PACER Maintenance June 14: Intermittent CM/ECF, Pay.gov Access
CIT News •June 11, 2026
PACER will undergo maintenance on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 6:55 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET. Users may face intermittent issues logging into CM/ECF and completing payments through Pay.gov, so plan time-sensitive filings and fee submissions outside this window.
CBP pushes CTPAT enrollment to speed small-business trade, boost security
CBP Media Releases •June 9, 2026
CBP spotlighted how its CTPAT trusted trader program benefits small businesses—now more than 70% of members—aligning with President Trump’s executive order to strengthen customs enforcement. Participants gain fewer inspections, priority processing (including FAST lanes), and business continuity tools, cutting costs while improving shipment reliability and supply chain resilience. CBP is urging eligible small importers and exporters to join to accelerate cross-border operations and enhance security.
