USMCA Public Hearing Date Shifts to Give Traders Extra Breathing Room

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.

2026-11296 — Notice of Determinations and Request for Comments Concerning Actions in Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure To Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced With Forced Labor

The U.S. Trade Representative found that many countries aren’t stopping goods made with forced labor from entering the U.S. To fix this, they’re planning to add extra taxes (tariffs) on products from these countries, with rates between 10% and 12.5%. They’re also offering a special deal for some clothing imports and want your thoughts before finalizing these changes by early July 2026.

2026-11158 — Notice of Determination and Request for Comments Concerning Action Pursuant to Section 301: 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 taking a closer look at Brazil’s rules on digital trade, tariffs, and environmental issues like illegal deforestation. They’re thinking about adding tariffs on some Brazilian goods but want your thoughts first! If you’re a business or just interested, get ready to share your ideas by early July 2026.

2026-11043 — Initiation of Section 301 Investigation and Request for Public Comments: Vietnam's Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement

The U.S. is launching an investigation into Vietnam for not protecting intellectual property rights fairly, which affects American businesses relying on these protections. This could lead to changes in trade rules or penalties if Vietnam doesn’t improve. Public comments are open until July 2, 2026, so anyone interested can share their thoughts before decisions are made.

Previous: 2025-19814 — New Postal Products

The Postal Service wants to add or change some special deals for businesses using their competitive mail services. This affects companies that send lots of mail and could change prices or options soon. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until November 13, 2025, to speak up!

Next: 2025-19818 — Notification of the Third United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Labor Council Meeting

The US, Mexico, and Canada are holding the third USMCA Labor Council meeting on December 9-10, 2025, to talk about workers' rights and how the trade deal is working. Government officials will meet in person in Canada, and there will be a virtual public session where anyone can ask questions or share comments before December 1. This meeting affects workers and businesses across all three countries and helps keep the trade deal fair and strong.