On December 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee reviewed USTR activities and FY2026 funding priorities, with Ambassador Jamieson Greer as the witness. The hearing emphasized the use of reciprocal tariffs as an enforcement tool aimed at addressing a reported $1.2 trillion trade deficit. While the memo is written through an agriculture lens, the themes apply broadly across supply chains: More tariffs used as leverage … Read More
Counterfeits at the Border: Lessons from CBP’s $18.6M Louisville Interception
In early December 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Louisville intercepted three international shipments containing counterfeit luxury goods, valued at more than $18.6 million if authentic. This wasn’t a “one-off.” It’s a clear signal that counterfeiters continue to exploit express and parcel channels, especially during peak and holiday surges, when volumes spike and bad actors hope to blend in with legitimate trade. … Read More
Steel & Aluminum Duties Double Under Trump’s Latest Trade Action
On June 4, 2025, steel and aluminum tariffs in the United States will double, from 25% to 50%, under a new directive by President Donald Trump. This move marks the administration’s latest effort to shield America’s core manufacturing industries from what it calls “unfair trade practices and global excess capacity,” and to restore critical production capabilities that the White House argues are essential to national … Read More