Trade Directives
Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border
President Trump issued an executive order amending previous tariffs on Canadian goods.
The action modifies the duties imposed on certain Canadian automotive parts and potash to mitigate potential disruptions to the U.S. automotive sector and its workforce.
The amendment clarifies the goods excluded from increased tariffs and schedules a reduction in potash duties from 25 percent to 10 percent, effective March 7th, 2025.
The order emphasizes that it does not create any legally enforceable rights.
Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China
This presidential action amends a previous executive order to further increase tariffs on Chinese goods to 20 percent.
The rationale is the People's Republic of China's (PRC) failure to effectively curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
The President invoked existing legal authority to escalate these economic sanctions, aiming to pressure the PRC to take stronger measures against the opioid crisis.
Amendment to Duties to Address the Situation at our Southern Border
President's March 2, 2025, order amends Executive Order 14194, revising section 2(g) to specifically address duty-free treatment for goods.
The amendment clarifies that duty-free treatment will end for covered articles once the Secretary of Commerce confirms efficient tariff revenue collection systems are in place.
The order also includes general provisions, specifying that it doesn't override existing legal authorities or budgetary processes and doesn't create any new legal rights.
Amendment to Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs across our Northern Border
The Presidential Actions document amends Executive Order 14193, which addresses illicit drug flow across the US-Canada border.
The amendment revises section 2(h), modifying duty-free de minimis treatment for certain articles under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
This treatment ends once the Secretary of Commerce confirms adequate systems for processing and collecting tariffs are established.
The order clarifies that it does not impact existing department authorities or budgetary functions and creates no new legal entitlements.
Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber
President's order directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the national security implications of imported timber, lumber, and their derivative products.
The order cites vulnerabilities in the domestic wood supply chain, emphasizing the industry's critical role in national security and economic strength.
The investigation will assess various factors, including domestic production capacity, foreign competition, and government subsidies.
This action aims to ensure a reliable and secure domestic supply chain and may lead to measures such as tariffs or quotas.
This executive order mandates a transformation of federal spending, aiming for increased transparency and accountability.
It directs all agencies to implement centralized technological systems for tracking payments and justifications, conduct comprehensive reviews of existing contracts and grants to reduce spending, and freeze agency credit cards (with exceptions).
The order prioritizes the review of funds disbursed to educational institutions and foreign entities and establishes reporting requirements to the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.
Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Copper
This Presidential order directs the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the national security implications of US dependence on foreign copper imports.
The order cites concerns about vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain, particularly the dominance of a single foreign producer, and the critical role of copper in defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
The investigation will assess the effects of copper imports on national security, considering factors like domestic production capacity, foreign competition effects, and the potential for foreign market manipulation.
The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with submitting a report including findings on national security threats and recommendations for mitigating those risks, including potential tariffs, export controls, and incentives for domestic production.
America First Investment Policy
The Presidential memorandum establishes an "America First" investment policy aimed at bolstering US national and economic security.
It prioritizes investments from allies while significantly restricting those from adversaries, particularly China, focusing on sectors like technology, infrastructure, and critical resources.
The policy utilizes existing mechanisms like CFIUS and explores new legal tools, including potential sanctions, to counter adversary acquisition of sensitive US assets.
Expedited review processes for allied investments and stricter oversight of adversary investments are key components.
The memorandum also initiates reviews of existing tax treaties and financial regulations to further protect US interests and direct investment toward domestic growth.