February 12, 2025–Top Stories
White House Update
President Trump signed executive orders this week to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, exercising his authority under Section 232 to protect national security.
President Trump signed an executive order this week to suspend enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), stating that current enforcement impedes U.S. foreign policy objectives and thus “implicates the President’s Article II authority over foreign affairs.” The FCPA prohibits U.S. companies from bribing foreign officials to facilitate customs clearance and evade trade fines or penalties.
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Legislative Update
The Senate Finance Committee voted to advance the nomination of Jamieson Greer to be U.S. Trade Representative today, sending his nomination to the full Senate.
Several senior Commerce Department appointments have been submitted to the Senate for committee consideration, including:
- Landon Heid as Assistant Secretary for Export Administration at BIS
- Taylor Jordan as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction
- David Rader as Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis
- David Fogel as Assistant Secretary for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service
President Trump also nominated Joseph Barloon, a former official in his first administration, as U.S. Deputy Trade Representative in Geneva.
Regulatory Update
George E. Bogden was appointed as the new Executive Director for CBP’s Office of Trade Relations this week, replacing Felicia Pullam’s role at the agency.
Industry Insight
With tougher government regulations on supply chain compliance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other governments are asking importers to take additional responsibility for their supply chain security. Ana Hinojosa of Oritain shares why CBP encourages the use of isotopic testing to verify raw material origins and meet regulations like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
More Stories to Stay Informed:
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) Wage Scale Committee unanimously approved the new six-year contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) last Friday. A ratification vote has been scheduled for the full ILA membership on February 25.
Filers making eTariff filings through FERC Online can now designate a lead and additional or co-applicants on a filing and include extra names, per a Department of Energy notice last week.
CBP announced the results of its global interoperability standards technology demonstrations this week.
