Trade Directives

Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific

Published: Thu 11th Jun 26

This Presidential Proclamation modifies prior Executive Actions (Proclamations 8031, 8335, 8337, and 9478) that established or expanded Marine National Monuments, specifically by removing certain monument-based prohibitions on commercial fishing in specified zones within the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, and surrounding Rose Atoll.

The President determined that existing comprehensive Federal laws, such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provide sufficient authority to manage and conserve marine resources sustainably, thereby allowing for restored economic access for United States flagged commercial fishing vessels in these previously restricted areas.

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Strengthening Customs Enforcement

This Presidential Action mandates comprehensive reforms to U.S. customs enforcement, asserting that stronger measures are crucial for national security, foreign policy, and the economy.

The order directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to revise regulations within 180 days to enforce higher accountability standards for Importers of Record (IORs), including requiring tangible domestic assets or increased bonding, mandating detailed disclosure of ownership and supply chain data, and imposing stricter rules for foreign IORs, such as prohibiting their use of informal entry.

Furthermore, the action targets enhanced enforcement penalties for noncompliance, streamlined disposal of illegal imports, and established vetting procedures to ensure all parties involved in importing maintain 'good standing' with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

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Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper into the United States

This Presidential Proclamation formally modifies the existing Section 232 tariff regimes imposed on imports of aluminum, steel, and copper, as established in prior proclamations, based on recommendations from the Secretary of Commerce regarding national security concerns and domestic economic impacts.

The modifications introduce a temporarily reduced 15 percent ad valorem duty for specific derivative products, including agricultural equipment and residential HVAC systems, while also extending coverage to products like aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks to prevent circumvention.

Furthermore, the proclamation lowers the threshold for a product to qualify as 'entirely' made of American metals from 95 percent to 85 percent to incentivize domestic sourcing.

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To Implement Certain Provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, and for Other Purposes

Published: Tue 19th May 26

This Presidential Proclamation implements specific trade provisions mandated by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, chiefly by extending duty-free trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) until December 31, 2026.

Furthermore, the President determines that the Gabonese Republic now meets the necessary criteria and designates it as a beneficiary sub-Saharan African country, effective January 1, 2026, following its previous termination.

The proclamation orders necessary modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to reflect these extensions, reinstatement, and to correct past administrative inconsistencies regarding trade program deadlines.

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Presidential Permit: Authorizing Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC to Construct, Connect, Operate, and Maintain Pipeline Facilities at the International Boundary at Phillips County, Montana, Between the United States and Canada

This Presidential Permit grants Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC the authority, subject to specific conditions, to build, operate, and maintain pipeline border facilities in Phillips County, Montana, for the cross-border transport of crude oil and various petroleum products between the United States and Canada.

The permit specifies that the facilities remain subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, mandates strict operational and maintenance standards, reserves the right for the U.S. government to take possession for national security, and requires the permittee to obtain all necessary rights-of-way and indemnify the government against liabilities.

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Presidential Determination Pursuant to Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended, on Grid Infrastructure, Equipment, and Supply Chain Capacity

Published: Mon 20th Apr 26

The President issued a determination for the Secretary of Energy, declaring that the nation's electric grid infrastructure and its associated supply chains are essential national defense resources facing severe threats due to foreign overreliance and outdated domestic capacity.

Citing a prior national energy emergency declaration, the President invoked Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to authorize the government to take necessary actions, including purchases and financial support, to rapidly expand domestic manufacturing capabilities for critical grid components like transformers and high-voltage equipment, thereby averting a shortfall that could severely impair national defense.

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Presidential Permit: Authorizing Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership to Operate and Maintain Three Existing Pipeline Facilities at Pembina County, North Dakota, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada

The President issued a Presidential Permit, exercising authority vested in the office, to Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership, a Canadian-owned subsidiary, to operate and maintain three existing pipeline Border facilities in Pembina County, North Dakota, for transporting crude oil and various petroleum products across the U.S.-Canada border.

This permit supersedes a previous permit from 1991 and establishes several conditions, including subjecting the facilities to all applicable laws and regulations, mandating permittee responsibility for maintenance and liability indemnity, granting the U.S. the right to take possession for national security purposes, and requiring removal of the facilities upon permit termination unless otherwise directed.

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Presidential Permit: Authorizing Enbridge Pipelines (Southern Lights) L.L.C. to Operate and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at Pembina County, North Dakota, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada

This Presidential Permit authorizes Enbridge Pipelines (Southern Lights) L.L.C., a subsidiary of a Canadian corporation, to operate and maintain existing pipeline border facilities in Neche, North Dakota, for transporting crude oil and various petroleum products between the United States and Canada.

This permit officially supersedes and revokes a previous permit issued in 2008 and subjects the operation and maintenance of the defined border facilities to numerous conditions, including compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, granting government access for inspection, and establishing protocols for facility removal or government takeover in national security emergencies.

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