The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened a Section 301 investigation on Nicaragua's actions and practices "related to labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law," saying that it is concerned that Nicaragua's "repressive and persistent attacks" on these rights and violations of the rule of law may burden U.S. commerce.

House Ways and Means Committee member Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., said that there will be a renewed bipartisan effort to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act next year. He called AGOA "something that is very beneficial to our U.S. trade policy." But LaHood left the door open to phasing out or changing the third-party fabric provision of AGOA in the 2025 reauthorization.

The U.S. may consider imposing new import tariffs on older generation semiconductors from China, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.

Court-ordered reliquidations aren't actions taken by CBP and can't be protested, the government said in oral arguments held Dec. 6 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. As a result, the Federal Circuit doesn't have jurisdiction to hear Target's appeal of a liquidation ordered by CIT, the U.S. said (Target v. U.S., Fed. Cir. # 23-2274).

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Rodney Scott as his choice for CBP commissioner. Scott is a former U.S. Border Patrol chief known for his experience tackling illegal immigration, according to a TruthSocial post.

Embossing and foil labeling operations don't constitute a use or materially change the goods, and such products are therefore eligible for unused merchandise drawback and in the same condition for the purpose of claiming drawback under USMCA, CBP determined in a recent ruling.

If incoming President Donald Trump imposes 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian imports, it would be deeply disruptive to business in Texas, Arizona, Michigan and southeastern states with major auto manufacturing.

International Trade Today is providing readers with the top stories from last week in case they were missed. All articles can be found by searching on the titles or by clicking on the hyperlinked reference number.

CBP has determined that Kingtom Aluminio's aluminum extrusions were produced or manufactured using forced labor, the agency said in a notice. The determination applies to any merchandise imported on or after Dec. 4, as well as any merchandise that has been imported into the U.S. but has not been released from CBP custody.

The Steel Manufacturers Association is asking President-elect Donald Trump to curtail current Section 232 quota restrictions and to end Section 232 exemptions for some Mexican products, to expand Section 232 to more downstream products, and greatly narrow exclusions to the tariffs.