Trade Policy

US Imposes Section 232 Tariffs on Patented Pharmaceutical Products and Ingredients

The US has introduced Section 232 national security tariffs of up to 100% on patented pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, with implementation beginning in July 2026. Companies must immediately assess onshoring feasibility and pricing-agreement eligibility to navigate substantial cost pressures and a clear policy shift toward domestic manufacturing.

6 Apr 2026, 18:29whitehouse.govUnited States

Switzerland Opens Consultation on Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS)

Switzerland has opened a consultation through July 2026 on the ACCTS agreement, which eliminates tariffs on 360 environmental goods and sets standards for voluntary eco-labelling. This move facilitates market access for green technologies while establishing a framework for high-integrity environmental claims to combat greenwashing in international trade.

5 Apr 2026, 18:25news.admin.chSwitzerland

UK Updates Steel Safeguard Tariff-Rate Quotas for Categories 4 and 12A

The UK has updated its steel safeguard tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for April–June 2026, narrowing the scope for alloy merchant bars while bringing Turkish metallic coated sheet under country-specific quotas. Businesses should immediately review commodity codes and origin sources to mitigate the risk of 25% out-of-quota duties on affected steel imports.

2 Apr 2026, 10:16gov.ukUnited Kingdom

EU Council Adopts Position On EU–UK TCA Level Playing Field Panel Of Experts List

The EU has formalized its position on establishing a panel of experts to adjudicate disputes under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement's level playing field provisions. This operationalizes the enforcement mechanism for environmental and labor standards, increasing the risk of state-to-state challenges regarding regulatory divergence.

1 Apr 2026, 14:33eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionUnited Kingdom

Romania Issues Joint Order on Prior Approval for Diesel and Crude Oil Export and Intra-Community Supply

Romania has implemented a mandatory prior-approval procedure for diesel and crude oil exports and EU supplies, effective immediately under Joint Order 481/1430/2026. This introduces significant administrative hurdles and potential supply chain disruptions for energy companies, signaling a shift toward national resource protectionism during energy crises.

1 Apr 2026, 14:32energie.gov.roRomania

China MOFCOM Launches Two Trade Barrier Investigations Into US Supply-Chain And Green-Product Measures

China's Ministry of Commerce has launched two trade-barrier investigations into US supply chain and green-product measures as of March 2026. This retaliatory move signals escalating trade tensions that could lead to Chinese countermeasures affecting high-tech exports, green energy investments, and global supply chain stability.

31 Mar 2026, 21:29mofcom.gov.cnChinaUnited States

China–Republic of Congo Early Harvest Tariff Arrangement Enters Into Force

The China–Republic of Congo "Early Harvest" arrangement enters into force on April 1, 2026, implementing immediate tariff reductions for bilateral trade in goods. Importers and exporters should monitor updated customs schedules to capture duty savings on industrial and chemical products as China expands its preferential trade network in Africa.

31 Mar 2026, 19:04mofcom.gov.cnChina

US Executive Order 14382 Establishes Tariff Mechanism for Imports From Countries Trading With Iran

US Executive Order 14382, effective February 2026, establishes a new tariff mechanism targeting imports from third countries that continue to trade with Iran. Businesses must monitor supply chain origins and third-country trade relations to mitigate the risk of sudden 25% ad valorem duty increases on non-Iranian products.

29 Mar 2026, 18:28govinfo.govUnited States

US EPA Finalises 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard "Set 2" Rule

The US EPA has finalized the 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, mandating significant increases in biodiesel and renewable diesel production. A strategic pivot toward domestic sourcing begins in 2028, when foreign-produced fuels and feedstocks will lose 50% of their compliance value, necessitating a long-term supply chain realignment.

29 Mar 2026, 17:20epa.govUnited States

Norway Proposes CBAM Law to Implement EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in EEA

Norway has formally proposed a national CBAM Law to incorporate the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism into the EEA Agreement, targeting full application by January 2027. Importers of carbon-intensive goods into Norway must prepare for mandatory declarant authorization starting as early as September 2026 and subsequent surrender of carbon certificates.

29 Mar 2026, 05:57regjeringen.noNorwayEuropean Economic Area

UK Government Opens 2025 to 2026 Duty Suspension Objections Window

The UK government has opened the objections window for proposed 2025-2026 duty suspensions, allowing businesses to challenge new tariff exemptions until 24 April 2026. Domestic producers should review the proposed list to protect their competitive position against cheaper imports, while importers can monitor potential cost-saving opportunities in their supply chains.

28 Mar 2026, 20:36gov.ukUnited Kingdom

Switzerland Publishes EFTA–Mercosur Record Of Understanding On Trade And Sustainable Development

EFTA and Mercosur have formalized sustainability commitments under their 2025 Free Trade Agreement, targeting deforestation, biodiversity, and agricultural standards. This signals future regulatory alignment and stricter supply chain due diligence for deforestation-linked commodities, antimicrobial use, and labor practices.

28 Mar 2026, 20:32fedlex.data.admin.chIcelandLiechtensteinNorwaySwitzerlandArgentinaBrazilParaguayUruguayMERCOSUR

EU Parliament and Council Reach Provisional Deal on Union Customs Code Reform

EU institutions have reached a political agreement on a major reform of the Union Customs Code, establishing a new EU Customs Authority and a centralized Data Hub. Businesses face stricter liability for e-commerce imports, a new per-parcel handling fee by November 2026, and the opportunity to join a simplified 'Trust and Check' regime.

28 Mar 2026, 20:27europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

US Commerce Continues AD/CVD Orders on PET Film from India, Taiwan, China, and the United Arab Emirates

The US has extended antidumping and countervailing duty orders on PET film imports from China, India, Taiwan, and the UAE following a sunset review. Businesses should maintain current duty cost projections for these materials, as trade protections remain firmly in place to prevent market injury to domestic producers.

28 Mar 2026, 16:29public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

US Commerce Announces Preliminary Antidumping Review Results for Thermal Paper From Germany (2023–2024)

US Commerce issued preliminary antidumping review results for German thermal paper, proposing zero or minimal margins for key exporters. Importers should prepare for potential duty adjustments and monitor the final determination to secure favorable cash-deposit rates for future shipments.

28 Mar 2026, 16:28public-inspection.federalregister.govUnited States

EU Commission Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duty on Polyamide Yarn Imports From China

The EU has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties ranging from 57.7% to 90.1% on Chinese polyamide (nylon) yarn imports, effective March 28, 2026. Importers must immediately assess the significant cost impact on synthetic filament yarn supply chains and meet short deadlines for submitting comments or requesting hearings.

28 Mar 2026, 16:24eur-lex.europa.euEuropean Union

UK Government Publishes Outcome Of Fur Market In Great Britain Call For Evidence

The UK government published the outcome of its fur market call for evidence on March 26, 2026, signaling a move toward potential future trade restrictions. While no immediate changes are enacted, the formation of a dedicated working group indicates a strategic shift toward tighter controls or labeling requirements for fur products.

28 Mar 2026, 09:35gov.ukUnited Kingdom

European Commission President Outlines EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement and Security Partnership in Sydney Speech

The EU and Australia have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and a new Security and Defence Partnership to eliminate tariffs and liberalise investment. Companies should anticipate deeper integration of critical raw material value chains and streamlined market access, underpinned by shared environmental and labour standards.

27 Mar 2026, 17:13ec.europa.euEuropean UnionAustralia

EU and Australia Conclude Negotiations on Free Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia concluded FTA negotiations in March 2026, set to eliminate tariffs on nearly all industrial goods, including chemicals and plastics. The agreement streamlines market access through regulatory cooperation on conformity assessments and secures critical raw material supply chains for the green transition.

27 Mar 2026, 08:27policy.trade.ec.europa.euEuropean UnionAustralia

US Commerce Initiates Circumvention Inquiry on Corrosion-Resistant Steel Products From Vietnam via Indonesia

US Commerce initiated a country-wide circumvention inquiry on March 25, 2026, targeting steel products finished in Indonesia using Vietnamese-origin material. Affirmative findings would trigger retroactive duty liabilities and cash-deposit requirements, necessitating urgent supply chain transparency and cost-exposure assessments for Indonesian imports.

27 Mar 2026, 08:07federalregister.govUnited StatesVietnamIndonesia