TradeLane

On January 16th, the Bureau of Industry and Security published new Federal Register regulations that refine their AI computing hardware controls. BIS believes new AI capabilities “will enable malicious actors to engage in activities that pose profound risks to U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives” while indicating that “AI models have the potential to create significant economic and social benefits in the United States and across the globe.” As a result, the new regulations are designed to carefully place the line between the potential threat actors and those who will use AI to advance US or human interests.  

Following the inauguration of the new administration on January 20th, 2025, there has been significant movement in both statements and confirmed actions that have an impact on trade.

In response to the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on all Canadian goods, on February 1, 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would implement a 25% retaliatory tariff on a range of U.S. imports. 

UPDATE: However, as of February 3rd, 2025, these governments have reached an agreement that will pause the implementation of tariffs for at least 30 days.  You can find the Customs Notice here:  https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn25-04-eng.html"

In 2020, HMTX Industries, LLC, along with over 3,600 other importers and associations, filed a lawsuit claiming that President Trump exceeded the authority delegated by Congress under Section 301 of the Trade Act when implementing the List 3 and 4a tariffs during a "trade war" with China. The lawsuit alleges violations related to trade secrets and intellectual property rights (IPR) theft.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has again expanded its U.S. export controls on chips. This new update, announced December 2, 2024, is related to the October 2022 interim final rule (IFR) aimed to restrict China’s ability to both purchase and manufacture certain high-end semiconductors critical for military applications.