China’s Ministry of Commerce has initiated a trade barrier investigation targeting US practices and measures deemed to undermine global supply and production chains. The announcement formally launches the investigation under China’s trade barrier investigation rules. This signals a significant bilateral trade policy escalation between China and the United States.
Topic Archives:Market Access
Malaysia Faces US Trade Action if Section 301 Provisions Are Violated
Malaysia faces potential US trade action under Section 301 of the Trade Act if it fails to comply with relevant provisions. The press release addresses the risk of US trade remedies being applied against Malaysian exports. This signals active bilateral trade policy concern between Malaysia and the United States.
Termination of Special Exemption for Fully Built-Up (CBU) Imported Electric Vehicles
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) announces the termination of the special import duty exemption for fully built-up (CBU) electric vehicles. This policy change directly affects tariff treatment of imported EVs in Malaysia. The measure signals a shift in EV import policy with implications for market access for foreign EV manufacturers.
UK’s Steel Trade Measure from 1 July 2026
The UK government has announced a new steel trade measure effective 1 July 2026 that will limit tariff-free steel import quota volumes. This represents a safeguard-type restriction on steel imports entering the UK market. Further details on quota levels and product coverage are contained in the full publication.
USTR Seeks Public Comment on U.S.-China Board of Trade Mechanism
USTR launched a public comment process on the development of a U.S.-China Board of Trade, a new government-to-government mechanism intended to manage bilateral trade between the two countries on an ongoing basis. The initiative follows the May 2025 U.S.-China trade agreement and seeks input on the scope and operation of the mechanism. Specific product or […]
USTR Makes Findings and Proposes Action in 60 Section 301 Investigations Relating to Failures to Take Action on Trade in Forced Labor Goods
USTR has determined under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that 60 economies have unreasonable acts, policies, and practices related to failure to prohibit and enforce against imports of forced-labor-produced goods. The agency is proposing trade actions against these economies. This is a major multilateral enforcement initiative with specific named measures and potential […]
WTO Goods Council addresses trade tensions and transparency with 38 specific trade concerns
The WTO Council for Trade in Goods met on 20-21 May 2026, with members addressing 38 specific trade concerns, nine of which were raised for the first time. Delegations discussed growing strain on the rules-based trading system amid escalating trade tensions and compliance challenges. The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Erwin Bollinger of Switzerland.
China requests WTO dispute panel over India’s measures on solar cells and IT goods
At the DSB meeting on 22 May 2026, China requested establishment of a dispute panel to review Indian measures restricting imports of solar cells, solar modules, and information technology goods. The DSB Chair also addressed ongoing WTO dispute settlement reform discussions.
WTO Trade Policy Review: Japan (16th Review, May 2026)
The WTO conducts its sixteenth Trade Policy Review of Japan on 27 and 29 May 2026, based on reports from both the WTO Secretariat and the Government of Japan. The review examines Japan’s trade policies and practices across all sectors.
WTO Agriculture Committee discusses domestic support, El Niño impacts, and Middle East conflict effects
The WTO Committee on Agriculture met on 27-28 May 2026 for its first session since MC14 in Yaoundé, covering farm domestic support and members’ notifications, net food-importing developing country status determinations, and global agricultural forecasts. Members also discussed the trade impacts of El Niño and the Middle East conflict on food markets.