December 11, 2024 – The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced an investigation of Nicaragua yesterday under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The investigation was initiated to investigate “acts, policies, and practices that may violate labor rights, human rights, and dismantle the rule of law.”

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  • USTR announced tariff increases under Section 301 for imports of certain tungsten products, wafers, and polysilicon from China.  
  • AAEI and other organizations representing U.S. businesses wrote the ILA and USMX, urging them to resume negotiations until a new contract is reached. 
  • President-Elect Donald Trump has named Martin A. Makary as the next Commissioner of the FDA, Scott Bessent, as Treasury Secretary, and Brooke Rollins, as Agriculture Secretary, for his new term in office. 
  • The EU and Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay) reached a political agreement last week on an improved partnership. 
  • BIS shared its final rulemaking on connected vehicles last week aiming to address potential national security concerns associated with information and communication technology services (ICTS) used in connected vehicles, particularly from suppliers linked to foreign adversaries. AAEI has worked closely with BIS on connected vehicle-related issues and expects additional rulemaking early next year.