Tariffs, Enforcement, and New Trade Frontiers: Key Developments Shaping Global Trade
NEWSLETTER | Trade Insight AI
Ambassador Greer Outlines Radical Overhaul of Global Trade Order Under Trump Administration
USTR Press Releases • August 6, 2025
In a landmark op-ed, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains how the Trump administration is dismantling the existing WTO-driven trade framework in favor of a new, bilateral system prioritizing American economic interests. Key changes include aggressive tariff use, sweeping new agreements with the EU and Asian partners, enforcement-focused compliance, and unprecedented market access and investment deals worth over $1 trillion. Greer frames these moves as essential to reversing U.S. deindustrialization and reasserting American industrial leadership.
Tariff Shifts and Trade Agreement Tensions
U.S. Imposes New 25% Tariff on Indian Imports Over Continued Russian Oil Trade
STR Trade Report •August 7, 2025
President Trump has announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, effective August 27, targeting India's ongoing imports of Russian oil. This action, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, comes atop existing reciprocal duties and includes potential for further escalation if retaliation occurs. The tariff is designed to increase economic pressure and may impact a broad range of U.S.-India trade unless specific exemptions apply.
Switzerland Signals Greater Flexibility in U.S. Trade Talks Amid 39% Tariffs
STR Trade Report •August 7, 2025
In response to the U.S. imposing a 39% reciprocal tariff on most Swiss imports effective August 7, Switzerland’s Federal Council has pledged to adapt its negotiating stance to secure a bilateral trade agreement. While key sectors like pharmaceuticals are exempt, nearly 60% of Swiss exports to the U.S. will be impacted, prompting Switzerland to offer more attractive terms and avoid immediate countermeasures—crucial for maintaining its competitiveness against peers like the EU and Japan.
WTO Releases 2025 Annual Report Amid Ongoing Global Trade Disruptions
WTO Latest News •August 7, 2025
The WTO has published its 2025 Annual Report, reviewing a year marked by significant instability in the global trading system and reflecting on the organization’s evolving role. The report covers activities through 2024 and early 2025, including outcomes from the pivotal 13th Ministerial Conference, and highlights the WTO’s efforts to safeguard open, predictable trade despite mounting geopolitical and economic challenges. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing consumer safety, technical standards, and broader trade facilitation.
Enforcement Ramp-Up: Technology, Manufacturing, and Intellectual Property
DOJ Targets Illegal AI Chip Exports to China with High-Stakes Criminal Charges
STR Trade Report •August 8, 2025
Two Chinese nationals face up to 20 years in prison after being charged by the DOJ for unlawfully exporting tens of millions of dollars’ worth of sensitive AI microchips from the U.S. to China. The alleged operation, spanning from October 2022 to July 2025, used transshipment points in Singapore and Malaysia to evade U.S. export controls and received substantial payments from Chinese firms. This case underscores heightened enforcement of technology export restrictions amid ongoing U.S.-China tensions.
USITC Launches Patent Infringement Probe into Leading Mobile Device Makers
USITC News Releases •August 4, 2025
The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated a Section 337 investigation into several major mobile device manufacturers, including Lenovo, Motorola, OnePlus, and TCL, following a complaint by South Korea's Pantech Corporation alleging patent infringement. The case could result in exclusion and cease-and-desist orders, potentially restricting imports and sales of implicated devices in the U.S. Trade professionals should monitor this investigation, as its outcome could significantly impact the competitive landscape for mobile communications devices.
ITC Launches New Investigations into IPR Violations Affecting Cellular Devices, Medical Tech, Storage Solutions, and Synthetic Hair
STR Trade Report •August 7, 2025
The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated several new Section 337 investigations over alleged intellectual property infringement involving mobile devices, wearable EEG systems, synthetic hair products, and storage containers. These actions target importers and manufacturers across multiple countries, and public comment has been requested on potential remedies for storage product violations. The developments could lead to new import restrictions impacting a wide array of consumer and healthcare products.
AD/CVD Enforcement & Manufacturing Impact
U.S. Issues New AD/CVD Margins on Aluminum, Mobile Equipment, R-134a, and Tungsten Imports
STR Trade Report •August 8, 2025
The International Trade Administration has released preliminary and final determinations across several antidumping and countervailing duty cases, impacting a range of imported goods. Highlights include steep dumping and subsidy rates on aluminum foil from China, significant margins on R-134a refrigerant, and final affirmative AD/CVD findings on tungsten shot imports from China. These measures signal continued enforcement actions and changing trade compliance risks for affected sectors.
USITC Imposes Duties on Chinese Tungsten Shot, Citing Harm to U.S. Industry
USITC News Releases •August 6, 2025
The U.S. International Trade Commission has found that imports of tungsten shot from China, sold below fair value and benefiting from government subsidies, are hindering the formation of a domestic industry. As a consequence, new antidumping and countervailing duties will be imposed on these imports, following affirmative votes from the Commission. This move aims to level the playing field for U.S. producers affected by unfairly traded Chinese tungsten shot.
USITC Opens Section 337 Probe into Synthetic Braiding Hair Patent Dispute
USITC News Releases •August 5, 2025
The US International Trade Commission has launched a Section 337 investigation into allegations that multiple firms are importing and selling pre-stretched synthetic braiding hair and packaging that infringe the patents of JBS Hair, Inc. The complainant seeks broad exclusion or cease and desist orders against 19 named U.S. companies. This case may lead to significant import restrictions pending resolution of the patent disputes, with a final decision targeted within the coming months.
Labor & Supply Chain: New Models and Resolutions
U.S. and Mexico Settle USMCA Labor Dispute at Chihuahua Auto Wheel Plant
STR Trade Report •August 7, 2025
The U.S. and Mexico have resolved a labor rights dispute at a light vehicle aluminum wheel facility in Chihuahua under the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism. Key outcomes include the reinstatement and compensation of workers dismissed for union activity, adoption of new company policies supporting labor rights, and comprehensive training for staff. Following these corrective actions, the U.S. has lifted the suspension on imports from the facility, underscoring strengthened cross-border enforcement of labor standards.
US, Mexico Resolve Labor Dispute Under USMCA, Lifting Tariffs on Superior Industries
USTR Press Releases •August 4, 2025
The United States and Mexico have resolved a USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism case at Superior Industries de Mexico, leading to the reinstatement or compensation of workers dismissed for union activity and the adoption of new labor guidelines. Following cooperation from both the company and Mexican authorities, the US has resumed normal tariff processing on aluminum wheels from the facility. This resolution underscores the effectiveness of USMCA labor provisions and highlights ongoing scrutiny of labor practices under the agreement.
CBP Updates Global Business Identifier Test, Expands Partners to Enhance Supply Chain Transparency
STR Trade Report •August 8, 2025
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has updated its Global Business Identifier (GBI) Test, a pilot program designed to replace the traditional manufacturer identification code with a more robust system for tracking foreign entities and supply chain roles. Changes include renaming the program, adding Altana Technologies as an identity management partner alongside major players like Dun & Bradstreet and GS1, and refining guidance for importers and traceability companies. This initiative aims to improve data accuracy, streamline enforcement, and enhance risk assessment capabilities for CBP and its partner agencies.
WTO Fisheries Agreement and International Policy
WTO Fisheries Subsidies Pact Nears Activation After Sri Lanka Ratifies
STR Trade Report •August 8, 2025
With Sri Lanka's recent ratification, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies now requires only four more approvals to take effect. The agreement, targeting subsidies linked to illegal and unsustainable fishing, has garnered support from most major economies but still lacks ratification from several key emerging markets and regions. Its impending implementation signals a global shift toward curbing harmful fishing practices and ensuring sustainable marine resources.
Sri Lanka Ratifies WTO Fisheries Subsidies Pact, Pushing Agreement Closer to Enforcement
WTO Latest News •August 6, 2025
Sri Lanka has officially submitted its acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, leaving only four additional ratifications needed for the pact’s entry into force. The agreement aims to curb subsidies contributing to overfishing, illegal fishing, and depleted fish stocks, marking a significant step toward global marine conservation. As implementation nears, developing countries—including Sri Lanka—will benefit from new funds and technical assistance to ensure compliance and sustainable fisheries management.
Compliance Watches: Upcoming Deadlines & Ongoing Investigations
Key Trade Developments This Week: AD/CVD Rulings, COO Review, and Policy Insights
STR Trade Report •August 8, 2025
Trade professionals should monitor several significant deadlines this week, including the ITC’s preliminary injury determination for oleoresin paprika from India (Aug. 11) and the final chance to seek judicial review on a CBP country of origin ruling for a pharmaceutical product. Additional highlights include comment deadlines related to AD/CVD probes on active anode materials and a policy-focused webinar covering tariffs and trade regulation. These events could impact importers and companies navigating trade remedy and compliance processes.
U.S. Eyes Extension and Expansion of Import Restrictions on Cultural Materials
STR Trade Report •August 7, 2025
The State Department has proposed extending existing U.S. import restrictions on archaeological and ethnological materials from Colombia, Turkey, and Afghanistan, while also considering a new request from Cameroon for similar controls. These measures aim to safeguard the cultural heritage of these nations and prevent illicit trafficking. Trade professionals should monitor these developments for potential impacts on importers of cultural goods and related compliance obligations.
USITC Launches Investigation into Patent Dispute Over Wearable EEG Devices
USITC News Releases •August 6, 2025
The U.S. International Trade Commission has initiated a Section 337 investigation into the alleged patent infringement of wearable electroencephalogram (EEG) devices and related components, following a complaint from Ceribell, Inc. The case targets several companies, including Natus Neurology and Excel-Tech Ltd., and may result in exclusion and cease and desist orders if violations are found. An administrative law judge will oversee the proceedings, with a decision on the investigation expected within months—potentially impacting the importation of these high-tech medical devices.
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