Trade Directives

Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market

Published: Tue 1st Apr 25

This presidential order aims to curb unfair practices within the live concert and entertainment industries.

It addresses ticket scalping and price gouging, directing the Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission to enforce existing competition laws and the Better Online Tickets Sales Act.

The order also mandates price transparency in the ticket-buying process and requires a report within 180 days on the actions taken and necessary recommendations regarding future regulations or legislation.

Establishing the United States Investment Accelerator

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order establishing the United States Investment Accelerator within the Department of Commerce.

This office will streamline regulatory processes for investments exceeding $1 billion, aiming to attract significant domestic and foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.

The Accelerator will work with various agencies and state governments to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and foster collaborations with national labs.

The order emphasizes the need to modernize investment processes to improve the U.S. economic competitiveness.

President Trump's March 27, 2025 executive order excludes numerous federal agencies and subdivisions from the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute.

The order claims this exclusion is necessary for national security reasons, impacting intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work.

It amends Executive Order 12171 and delegates authority to the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Transportation to make further exclusions.

The order also requires a review of agencies not currently excluded and mandates changes to related employee assignments and grievance processes.

Excluded agencies and subdivisions primarily serve roles within the Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, Veterans Affairs, Justice, Homeland Security, Interior, Energy, Agriculture, and Commerce, as well as several independent agencies.

Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Autombile Parts Into the United States

President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation in March 2025 imposing a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and certain auto parts.

The action, justified under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aims to address national security concerns stemming from vulnerabilities in domestic automotive supply chains and perceived unfair trade practices by foreign competitors.

The proclamation cites the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of supply chains, the decline in domestic automobile manufacturing, and the rise of foreign automotive industries supported by subsidies and aggressive industrial policies.

While the proclamation offers provisions for USMCA-qualifying vehicles and for a process to modify the tariffs, it represents a significant intervention in the automotive market, with potential economic and geopolitical implications.

IMPOSING TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES IMPORTING VENEZUELAN OIL

President Trump issued an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on goods imported from any country importing Venezuelan oil, effective April 2, 2025.

The order cites the ongoing national emergency related to Venezuela and the destabilizing activities of the Maduro regime and the Tren de Aragua gang as justification.

The Secretary of State, in consultation with other relevant Secretaries, will determine which countries will be subject to the tariff, which will expire one year after the country's last import of Venezuelan oil.

The order also includes provisions for administration, enforcement, and periodic reporting on its effectiveness.

President Trump issued an executive order revoking several executive orders, memoranda, and proclamations issued by the Biden administration.

The order focuses on restoring common sense to the federal government.

Specific actions revoked include those related to COVID-19 response, foreign policy workforce revitalization, LGBTQ+ human rights, minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply interruption, infant formula supply, solar energy, insulation, electrolyzers, heat pumps, biotechnology, multiple Department of Defense supply chains, and worker empowerment.

The order emphasizes that it does not create any new legal rights or benefits.

Establishing The White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026

This presidential order establishes the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, chaired by the President and vice-chaired by the Vice President.

The Task Force's purpose is to coordinate federal efforts to prepare for and execute the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leveraging the event's potential for economic growth and tourism.

The Task Force will comprise numerous cabinet secretaries and White House advisors, and will be administratively housed within the Department of Homeland Security.

The order outlines the Task Force's responsibilities, reporting requirements, and termination date (December 31, 2026, unless extended).

Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Southern Border

Published: Thu 6th Mar 25

President Trump issued an executive order amending tariffs previously imposed on Mexican goods.

The order modifies the additional duties introduced in Executive Order 14194, specifically targeting automotive parts and components to minimize disruption to the US automotive industry and its workforce.

It reduces the tariff on certain articles entered duty-free under the USMCA and lowers the potash tariff to 10 percent.

The order emphasizes maintaining the US automotive industry's economic and national security significance and ensures that implementation aligns with existing laws and available appropriations.