Regulation
Temu owner invests in local fulfillment in face of de minimis changes
PDD Holdings, parent of Temu, is adapting its supply chain to mitigate the effects of the EU's new €3 customs duty on items worth €150 or less, effective July 1. Co-CEO Lei Chen outlined measures including onboarding local merchants and developing local warehousing. The company faces reduced fulfillment efficiency and higher costs, but aims to offset these by strengthening local operations, a strategy also used after U.S. de minimis changes.
US, Canada trade war poses sourcing risks for agriculture, consumer goods
The United States and Canada failed to reach an agreement on tariffs, with both sides imposing high tariffs on each other, raising concerns across industries. Industry associations in agriculture, apparel, retail, and consumer goods point to heightened risks of supply chain disruptions and rising costs, urging both parties to return to the negotiating table.
Packaging sector braces for US-Canada trade war impacts
Trade tensions between the United States and Canada continue to escalate, directly impacting the highly integrated North American packaging supply chain. Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50% on US goods, including pulp, paper, aluminum, and steel, while the US has imposed high tariffs on Canadian lumber, paper, and metals. Packaging industry companies are assessing the potential impact, and industry associations are calling for resolution through negotiations to avoid long-term damage to manufacturers, workers, and consumers in both countries from cross-border supply chain disruptions.
US to temporarily relieve ground beef tariffs in bid to lower prices
US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will temporarily exempt tariffs on some ground beef imports to lower consumer prices that remain near historic highs. The US will allow up to 300,000 tons of ground beef to be imported with zero over-quota tariffs within the next 90 days, and has secured commitments that this beef will be sold at prices 25% below current market levels. This move aims to ease the burden on consumers while helping domestic ranchers rebuild supply.
US calls for EU to deliver on trade concessions on sustainability laws
In a comment letter posted on X, U.S. Ambassador Andrew Puzder calls on the EU to deliver on promises made in the August 2025 trade framework agreement by making additional changes to the CSDDD and CSRD. The U.S. argues that current reforms fail to address its concerns about extraterritorial reach and undue burdens on American businesses.
Trump delays 50% tariffs on Canada imports for 3 days
The U.S. has postponed the 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian imports, originally set for Wednesday, for three days. President Trump signed a proclamation delaying the duties to August 22, following Canada's expressed commitment to resolve trade issues. Negotiations continue, with both sides indicating progress.
Nearly 60 members of Congress call for aluminum pricing investigation
美国众议院近60名议员（42名共和党人、16名民主党人）致函商务部长霍华德·卢特尼克，要求调查国内原铝销售中的“定价异常”。议员们指出，中西部溢价（MWP）将特朗普政府的50%铝关税成本转嫁给包括饮料行业在内的国内制造商，即使其使用国产或再生铝也无法豁免。铝业协会、啤酒协会等机构对此表态不一，标普全球普氏则否认相关指控。
Experts call FCC’s block on foreign robotics a nearshoring tactic
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated its covered list on July 28, banning the import and sale of foreign-made mobile robots and connected power inverters, sparking expert discussion. Some experts believe this move aims to boost domestic robot production, while others worry it may affect alliances.
US de minimis elimination upheld by trade court
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled Thursday that the Trump administration lawfully rescinded the de minimis exemption, rejecting Detroit Axle's argument that the move exceeded presidential authority. The ruling confirms that sub-$800 imports remain subject to standard duties, and the exemption is set to permanently expire by July 2027 under separate legislation.
