U.S. Probes Caribbean Nations' Eligibility for Trade Perks in 2025

2026-15181, Notice of Actions in Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure of Each Economy To Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced With Forced Labor

The United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) has determined under Section 301(b) and Section 304(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act), that in each of 60 investigations, certain of the acts, policies, and practices of the economy at issue are actionable and that action by the United States is appropriate. In accordance with the specific direction of the President, the Trade Representative is taking actions in each of these investigations by imposing tariffs on all products of the investigated economy, with certain exemptions as provided in Annexes I and II to this notice (Notice). Consistent with the specific direction of the President, for an economy that imposes a forced labor import prohibition, has committed to impose and enforce such a prohibition through an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART), or has imposed a partial regime with the effect of preventing the importation of certain forced labor goods, the Trade Representative has determined 10 percent is the appropriate rate of Section 301 duties, with specific economies subject to a 10 percent rate net of a product's most-favored-nation (MFN) duty. For every other economy, and in accordance with the specific direction of the President, the Trade Representative has determined 12.5 percent is the appropriate rate of Section 301 duty, with specific economies subject to a 12.5 percent rate net of a product's MFN duty. The Trade Representative has also determined, consistent with the specific direction of the President, to establish, when feasible, tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, based on each economy's importation of U.S. inputs, to encourage the importation by each of these economies of U.S. cotton and textile goods, in order to reduce reliance on inputs from other sources that are more likely to contain forced labor inputs.

2026-15050, Fiscal Year 2027 Tariff-Rate Quota Allocations for Raw Cane Sugar, Refined Sugar, and Sugar-Containing Products

The U.S. Trade Representative is setting the sugar import limits for Fiscal Year 2027, from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. This affects countries exporting raw cane sugar, refined sugar, and sugar-containing products to the U.S., with specific amounts allocated to each. These changes start July 24, 2026, and help keep sugar imports fair and predictable while following international trade rules.

2026-14542, Notice of Action: Brazil's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Digital Trade and Electronic Payment Services; Unfair, Preferential Tariffs; Anti-Corruption Enforcement; Intellectual Property Protection; Ethanol Market Access; and Illegal Deforestation

The U.S. is slapping a 25% tariff on many Brazilian imports starting July 22, 2026, because Brazil’s rules on digital trade, tariffs, anti-corruption, intellectual property, ethanol access, and deforestation aren’t playing fair. This move affects businesses importing from Brazil and aims to push Brazil toward fairer trade and better environmental practices. Some products get a pass, but most will feel the pinch at the checkout.

2026-13177, Request for Comments and Notice of Public Hearing Concerning the Annual Review of Country Eligibility for Benefits Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act for Calendar Year 2027

The U.S. Trade Representative is reviewing which sub-Saharan African countries can get special trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for 2027. They want your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to decide who stays on the list. This affects African countries’ access to U.S. markets and could impact trade and money flow next year.

2026-12671, Initiation of Section 301 Investigation; Hearing; and Request for Public Comments: Germany's Persistent Underpayment for Innovative Pharmaceutical Products

The U.S. is launching an investigation into Germany for not paying enough for new, innovative medicines. This could lead to changes in trade rules and possibly impact drug prices or tariffs. Public comments and a hearing will happen between June and September 2026, so everyone affected—especially pharmaceutical companies and patients—should pay attention!

2026-11291, Request for Comments on the Scope and Operation of a Mechanism To Promote Reciprocal Managed Trade With China

The U.S. Trade Representative is asking for your thoughts on how to make trade with China fairer and more balanced, especially for everyday products that aren’t sensitive or risky. They want to create a special U.S.-China Board of Trade to keep things running smoothly and make sure both sides play nice with tariffs. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by July 10, 2026, so they can help shape future trade deals that could impact prices and jobs.

Previous: 2025-10952, Notice of Board Meeting

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is holding a meeting on June 24, 2025, to review important reports and approve past meeting notes. This meeting affects federal employees who invest in the Thrift Savings Plan, with updates on investments, risks, and legislation. While no immediate money changes are announced, staying informed helps participants keep their retirement plans on track.

Next: 2025-10955, Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore American Samoa-Request for Information and Interest

The government is exploring the idea of leasing underwater minerals off American Samoa and wants to hear from people and businesses interested in this opportunity. This is just the first step—no leases have been offered yet, but your feedback could shape future decisions. If you’re curious or want in, now’s the time to speak up before any official lease sales happen.