CBP posted answers to set of frequently asked questions Feb. 12 about the withhold release order aimed at goods produced using forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Jan. 13 WRO applies to cotton and tomato products produced in China’s Xinjiang province.

The Court of International Trade on Feb. 4 rejected a broad challenge to Section 232 tariffs on steel. Universal Steel Products, joined by several other importers, had challenged the Commerce Department report upon which all Section 232 steel tariffs were based, as well as President Donald Trump’s failure to set an expiration date for the tariff action, among other things. But the trade court found in favor of the government, holding the report was not a final action and could not be challenged, and that the president’s edict that the tariffs remain in effect so long as national security is threatened satisfied Section 232’s requirement that he set a “duration” for the tariffs.

The U.S. Trade Representative won't immediately impose new tariffs or take other action as a result of the Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's currency valuation practices, the agency said in a news release. While "USTR is not taking any specific actions in connection with the findings at this time," it "will continue to evaluate all available options," it said.

CBP is issuing a new regional withhold release order on all cotton and tomato products grown and produced by entities operating in China’s Xinjiang province, said acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan and acting Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli on a call with reporters Jan. 13.

New 25% percent tariffs on goods from France that were to begin Jan. 6 are suspended, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a news release Jan. 7. The tariffs were planned as a result of France's digital services tax and the suspension will allow the agency to complete investigations into other countries' DSTs,

Provisions for new tariffs on certain goods from France were added to the tariff schedule the evening of Jan. 6, said an International Trade Commission spokesperson. New subheading 9903.90.01 and corresponding U.S. Note 22 implement the Section 301 tariffs announced by the U.S. Trade Representative in July in retaliation for France’s digital services tax. The additional 25% duty applies to French handbags, soaps and cosmetics. The new tariff provisions took effect Jan. 6, according to the ITC's change record.

The U.S. Trade Representative will impose additional Section 301 tariffs on goods from the European Union as part of the ongoing World Trade Organization dispute over Airbus subsidies, USTR said in an emailed news release Dec. 30. Products subject to the additional tariffs include “aircraft manufacturing parts from France and Germany, certain non-sparkling wine from France and Germany, and certain cognac and other grape brandies from France and Germany,” USTR said. The release didn't say when the changes would take effect.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will extend exclusions on goods used to treat COVID-19 from the Section 301 tariffs on goods from China, it said in a notice posted on the agency's website. "In light of the rising spread and ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, the U.S. Trade Representative has determined that maintaining or re-imposing additional duties on certain products subject to the action no longer is appropriate and that the application of additional duties to these products could impact U.S. preparedness to address COVID-19," it said.

Technical fixes for USMCA, including the restoration of merchandise processing fee refunds for post-entry filings, are part of the end-of-year legislative package expected to pass later today, a Senate Finance Committee spokesman said.

Following reports that President-Elect Joe Biden will be nominating House Ways and Means Chief Trade Counsel Katherine Tai for U.S. Trade Representative, Trade Subcommittee Chairman Earl Blumenauer hailed the decision.“This is a fantastic pick from President-elect Biden. Katherine Tai has played an invaluable role leading the Ways and Means staff while working with members and outside groups on the renegotiated NAFTA and other critical trade issues," said Blumenauer. "She’s knowledgeable, patient, creative, and will be the first woman of color to hold this important job."