Two Minutes in Trade

Section 113 of the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 could impose secondary tariffs of up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian energy and countries facilitating sanctions evasion. The new tariff authority requires mandatory imposition of tariffs but the President retains significant discretion and options to creates waivers and special exceptions. By: Edward Steiner

Poised for imminent passage, the Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would create a new secondary tariff tool aimed at countries buying Russian energy or helping Russia evade sanctions. The bill could mark a new chapter in Trump trade policy by turning sanctions enforcement into a mandatory, country-wide tariff mechanism with significant implications for importers and global supply chains. By: Edward Steiner

Poised for imminent passage, the Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would create a new secondary tariff tool aimed at countries buying Russian energy or helping Russia evade sanctions. The bill could mark a new chapter in Trump trade policy by turning sanctions enforcement into a mandatory, country-wide tariff mechanism with significant implications for importers and global supply chains. By: Edward Steiner

The White House recently ordered the Department of Agriculture to prepare a report as part of efforts that may eventually result in mandatory country of origin labeling requirements for beef. By: Alvaro Ferreira

While the deadlines for the administration to take action in the Section 232 probes on robotics and industrial machinery; PPE, medical consumables, and medical equipment; and wind turbines have already passed, action in these proceedings remains a distinct possibility. By: Alvaro Ferreira

Customs brokers and importers are gatekeepers to our country's security and safety. Since 9/11, CBP's partnership programs have recognized, and especially now must increasingly value, the critical role these good actors play. By: Lenny P. Feldman

Get the latest buzz on drone tariffs. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more info.  By: J. Nicole Bivens Collinson  

The Administration's latest Canada-related proclamations show that trade enforcement is moving beyond higher tariffs to include outright import bans on targeted products. Importers, customs brokers, manufacturers, and supply chain managers should now account for the risk that covered goods may be excluded entirely from the U.S. market.

Tariffs first, Process later. USITC seeks input on how to do its job -neglected since the 1940s-to inform the president on Section 338. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

USTR is targeting "superfakes" in its latest Notorious Markets report.  For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade. 

Congress reaches for the tariff weed whacker with a new Senate bill. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

A new House-passed bill, H.R. 1869, would give the Department of Justice more authority and resources to pursue trade crimes. This episode explains how the bipartisan bill could transform traditional trade enforcement. By: Edward Steiner

CBP wants the receipts. A new FR requests comments on a proposed rule that would require much more from importers. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade 

No news is not necessarily good news. Passed deadlines on 3 section investigations means more uncertainty. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more. 

Should we be dusting off the old uniform origin rules again? Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Closing the circuits but opening the corral - two opposite actions. 1 bans the import of electric equipment; the other allows more duty-free beef. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

USTR has yet to announce remedies in its Section 301 investigation into structural excess manufacturing capacity, despite completing hearings and public comments months ago. This TMIT examines three possible reasons for the delay—tariff fatigue, ongoing trade negotiations, and uncertainty over whether Section 301 provides a strong legal basis for addressing excess capacity.

Canada and the US are trading punches at the border. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade.  By: J. Nicole Bivens Collinson  

Someone gets the garden hose and stop this tariff brawl. More tariffs in trade between Canada and the US means pricier goods and reduced market access. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade.  By: J. Nicole Bivens Collinson  

CBP's CAPE Phase 3 delay keeps importers waiting on IEEPA refunds—and makes preserving refund rights even more important.  For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade.  

Tariff timeout for Canada as President Trump delays 50% tariffs on Canadian goods by 3 days. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Are fast passes for cargo coming soon? Greater supply chain visibility is a must - can AI offer a way for goods to clear for entry faster?  Listen for more info on Two Minutes in Trade. 

When "shall" means "eventually". Sloppy Congressional timelines in law lead to greater uncertainty for traders. Listen for details on Two Minutes in Trade. 

CBP's CTPAT alert for non-resident importers creates a market differentiator for CPTAT validated brokers, but with it comes some significant importer vetting responsibilities. What is the optimal approach for the trade community and CBP?

Detective Border and the case of the wandering origin. New White House paper announces widespread illegal transshipping and a new AI-based border initiative. Listen for more on Two Minutes In Trade. 

TMIT Canada's tariff cliffhanger. One week before 50% tariffs on Canadian exports- will the countries resolve it before then?  Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more details. 

Beijing's spin cycle - washing away the "so-called" excess capacity problem. Listen for more o info on Two Minutes in Trade.

Red ink, Red Alert. When a trade deficit means tariffs - a new bill would give authority to the President to impose more tariffs. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

New Section 232 polysilicon tariffs add duties, minimum import prices, and incentives for U.S. production. For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade.   

The CIT is weighing whether to certify a class action for IEEPA tariff refund. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

The Trump Administration's latest Section 232 aluminum action illustrates a broader shift toward trade policy by negotiation, linking tariff relief to concrete onshoring and investment commitments. The new program reinforces a growing Administration strategy in which both governments and companies can obtain tariff accommodations by reaching deals that advance U.S. manufacturing and supply chain objectives.

Tuba tariffs hit a sour note. Commerce proposes adding derivative products to the steel/aluminum/copper 232 tariffs. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Friday night was a tariff two-fer!  New tariffs on patented pharmaceuticals and soon new tariffs on quartz surface products. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Forced labor enforcement is re-gaining momentum with 43 new entities added to the UFLPA Entity List on top of the recently issued Section 301 tariffs. Importers should prepare for more scrutiny and enforcement.

The FCC's new power play means certain connected technology may be banned from import/sale/marketing. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Importers are watching to see whether upcoming Section 301 tariffs on 16 economies will add to forced-labor duties and conflict with existing trade agreements. For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade. 

Congress is telegraphing a 500% Message to Moscow. Listen for details on possible new Russia sanctions and tariffs on Two Minutes In Trade. 

From the ART of the deal to an Act of Congress. New bill would put Congress back in the driver's seat on Trade Policy. Listen for more on Two Minutes In Trade. 

A new set of Section 301 tariffs now affects nearly all U.S. imports.  For more information, listen to today's Two Minutes in Trade.  

From ball chasing to a compliance game plan - get your team in shape to avoid a CBP red card! Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Jordan's ART of the deal! A new tariff agreement was signed with some interesting commitments. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

Cobwebs, Canada, and 50% tariffs. U. S. to impose tariffs on Canadian goods for unfair discrimination. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more. 

When the law doesn't quite fit-just change the definition. A new CEA report argues for a BOP definition met by measuring the current account balance only. Listen for more on Two Minutes in Trade. 

The CIT has provided a path for refunds of liquidated IEEPA entries – you just need to be in court for your turn.

The CIT has provided a path for refunds of liquidated IEEPA entries – you just need to be in court for your turn.

#TMIT EU's forced labor portal is open and the risks are real. New laws effective soon means prepping now. Listen for more on Two Minutes In Trade. 

With key Section 301 decisions approaching, importers face three important dates: the July 15 Brazil 301 decision deadline, July 16 follow-on comments in the Forced Labor 301 investigation, and July 27 rebuttal comments for the proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade.

#TMIT - Deadlines?  We don't meet no stinking deadlines! Section 232 actions well after due dates continue to confound traders with jet engines being the latest. Listen for more on Two Minutes In Trade. 

The "coal" hard facts do not justify an action 232 investigation on national security grounds. Listen to Two Minutes in Trade for more info. 

Two days of USTR hearings proved that a Section 301 case can be about everything from beef and coffee to vermiculite and digital trade—but the fireworks started when U.S. and Brazilian cattle interests squared off, and Flávio Bolsonaro turned a tariff hearing into a preview of Brazil's next presidential campaign.