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The Department of Commerce updated and finalized a rule on January 31, 2024, concerning procedures related to discrepancies between past trade agreements like NAFTA and the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This update corrects a regulatory error where language was mistakenly duplicated in the legal text, specifically in section 19 CFR 356.8(b)(2). The correction clarifies who can request the continuation of trade reviews but notes that foreign governments are not authorized to make such requests. The changes are effective as of December 12, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has determined that ending the countervailing duty order on circular welded austenitic stainless pressure pipe from China would likely lead to the continuation of unfair government subsidies. In their review, the Department did not receive a sufficient response from the Chinese government but received input from U.S. producers such as Bristol Metals, Felker Brothers, and Primus Pipe and Tube. Because of this lack of response from China, the Department conducted an expedited review. The decision and more detailed information are available in the Issues and Decision Memorandum, which is accessible online.

In a decision on January 24, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled against the U.S. Department of Commerce's initial findings in an investigation concerning Brazilian raw honey. The Department of Commerce had originally accused Supermel, a Brazilian honey producer, of providing unverifiable data, and had imposed heavy duties as a result. However, the court found Supermel's discrepancies minor and ordered the review of these duties. Following this ruling, Commerce adjusted the duty rates for Supermel and other producers, relying on verified data rather than their previous adverse determination.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a rule allowing a specific level of the pesticide ethiprole on imported sugarcane, upon request from Bayer CropScience LP, in accordance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). The rule, effective from December 27, 2024, sets a maximum residue level of 0.07 parts per million. This comes after a review showing no expected harm to the general public, including infants and children, from exposure to this pesticide. The rule does not require any proposed rule issuance, nor does it impact states or tribal governments.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has decided to cancel the review of an antidumping duty order on specific chassis and their parts from China, covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. This decision was made because there were no entries of the merchandise during the review period that needed evaluation. The antidumping duties will be assessed based on the rates required when the products entered the country. The notice serves as a reminder to parties involved to properly handle any proprietary information related to the review.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has decided to indefinitely suspend additional duties on French products that were set to begin on January 6, 2021, in response to France's Digital Services Tax (DST). This decision comes as investigations into similar taxes in other countries continue, with the aim of allowing more time for discussion and potential resolution. The suspension reflects ongoing consideration of public comments and the advice of advisory committees. The USTR will keep monitoring developments in both the France DST investigation and other related investigations.

The U.S. Trade Representative has concluded that Vietnam's actions and policies related to currency valuation are problematic for U.S. commerce. They determined that Vietnam's management of its currency, particularly through excessive foreign exchange market interventions, gives it an unfair advantage in international trade. These practices were found to be unreasonable, burden or restrict U.S. trade, and therefore can be addressed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The U.S. is considering further actions to address these issues.

The U.S. Department of Commerce made a final decision determining that melamine from Qatar is not being sold in the United States for less than fair value. This final ruling follows an earlier negative preliminary determination regarding the same issue. As a result of this negative determination, there will be no suspension of liquidation or cash deposits required for imports of melamine from Qatar, and the case is considered closed. This decision was reached after looking into sales, costs, and verifying information from relevant Qatari companies.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has begun administrative reviews of various antidumping and countervailing duty orders that have anniversary dates in January. These reviews will look into whether certain foreign goods sold in the U.S. are priced unfairly and harming U.S. businesses. The Department has outlined the procedures and deadlines for companies involved in these reviews, including how they can demonstrate they should be treated independently from government control in non-market economies. Additionally, the Department provides guidance on submitting necessary information and responding to questionnaires during the review process.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has released preliminary findings related to the sale of circular welded non-alloy steel pipe from South Korea. Between November 2022 and October 2023, some of this pipe was sold at prices below its normal value. The department identified one South Korean company that did not sell the pipe below its normal value during this period. They also calculated a small average dumping margin for Hyundai Steel and a higher margin for Husteel. Various other companies will have a margin based on Husteel's results. They are now seeking comments on these preliminary findings.