FedEx rejected Prosperous America CEO Michael Stumo's characterization of the company as being involved in drug trafficking. Stumo on March 6 accused both FedEx and UPS of being "drug mules" (see 2403060089), because they are conduits for fentanyl entering in the de minimis environment. The company "has extensive security measures in place to deter and detect the use of our networks for illegal purposes, and we have a long history of close collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory authorities to quickly identify and prevent unlawful uses of our networks," a FedEx spokesperson said. "This includes illegal shipments such as illicit fentanyl."
More action is needed to protect commercial cargo ships from attacks by Houthi rebels, shipping industry groups said after sailors aboard a commercial ship in the Gulf of Aden died this week from a Houthi missile strike.
The International Trade Commission published notices in the March 7 Federal Register on the following AD/CVD injury, Section 337 patent or other trade proceedings (any notices that warrant a more detailed summary will be in another ITT article):
The Commerce Department published notices in the Federal Register March 7 on the following AD/CV duty proceedings (any notices that announce changes to AD/CV duty rates, scope, affected firms or effective dates will be detailed in another ITT article):
The Commerce Department is beginning new antidumping duty investigations on melamine from Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Qatar and Trinidad and Tobago, as well as a new countervailing duty investigations on melamine from Germany, India, Qatar, and Trinidad and Tobago, it said in a fact sheet March 6. The underlying petition was filed in February (see 2402140052). The International Trade Commission is scheduled to make its preliminary injury determinations by April 1. These AD/CVD investigations will continue only if the ITC finds injury. International Trade Today will provide more details upon publication of the initiation notices in the Federal Register.
New antidumping duties take effect retroactive to July 7, 2023, for importers of certain hydrofluorocarbon blends from Turkey, the Commerce Department said in its preliminary determination in an anti-circumvention inquiry.
On March 6, the FDA posted new and revised versions of the following Import Alerts (after not having posted new ones for a number of days) on the detention without physical examination of:
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative seeks comments by April 22 on ways that U.S. trade and investment policies can promote supply chain resilience, it said in a March 7 notice. Among other things, the agency seeks comments on how policies can support domestic manufacturing and how to align labor and environmental protections with allies. USTR also seeks comments on how to avoid free trade agreements functioning as a “backdoor,” as well as on sector-specific policies to promote supply chain resilience, it said. USTR will hold a hearing May 2 on the subject, with requests to appear due April 12. Post-hearing comments are due by May 16.
Democrats that represent Michigan and Ohio, where Big 3 automakers' plants are concentrated, are asking that the Section 301 review hike tariffs on Chinese automakers. Section 301 tariffs already apply a 25% tariff, making the total duty for a Chinese auto 27.5%.
A bipartisan bill sponsored by a half-dozen House members from Florida -- though none on the Ways and Means Committee -- offers full refunds for tariffs paid for imports of goods that should have been covered by the Generalized System of Preferences benefits program. It also renews the program through the end of 2029.