Trade Directives
Amendment to Reciprocal Tariffs and Updated Duties as Applied to Low-Value Imports from the People’s Republic of China
President Trump issued an executive order amending reciprocal tariffs and increasing duties on low-value imports from China.
This action, justified as a response to China's retaliatory tariffs imposed on US exports following the implementation of Executive Order 14257, modifies the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to increase tariffs from 34% to 84% on specified goods.
Additionally, the order increases the ad valorem rate of duty and per-item duty on certain goods to prevent tariff circumvention.
Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241
This executive order prioritizes the revitalization of the American coal industry, emphasizing its role in national security and economic prosperity.
It directs federal agencies to remove regulatory obstacles to coal production, increase domestic coal use, and promote coal exports.
The order also seeks to incorporate coal more broadly into other sectors, such as powering artificial intelligence data centers and supplying the steel industry.
Multiple agencies are tasked with implementing these changes.
Review of Proposed United States Steel Corporation Acquisition
President Biden issued a memorandum ordering the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to conduct a thorough review of Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel.
This action, based on concerns about potential national security risks, mandates a de novo review by CFIUS, which must submit a recommendation within 45 days on whether proposed mitigation measures are sufficient.
The President's order builds upon a prior prohibition of the acquisition and reserves the right to take further action if deemed necessary.
Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports
This presidential action amends previous orders to address the synthetic opioid crisis fueled by imports from China.
It eliminates the duty-free de minimis exemption for certain products from China, imposing either a 30% ad valorem or tiered specific duty on items valued under $800, depending on the method chosen by the transporter and enforced by the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The order requires carriers to remit duties to CBP and mandates a 90-day report assessing the action's impact on American industries.
Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits
President Trump declared a national emergency due to substantial and persistent US goods trade deficits, citing a lack of reciprocity in trade relationships, unfair trade practices by other countries and the negative impacts on US economic and national security.
The President issued an executive order imposing an initial 10% ad valorem duty on all imports, with higher duties for specific countries based on their trade practices.
The order included provisions for exceptions, modification based on later developments and reporting requirements to Congress.
This action aims to restore balance in global trade and strengthen domestic production.
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.
Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs
- Foreign Policy
- Healthcare
- Economy
- Defense
- Energy
- Environment
- Labor
- Homeland
- Science
- Technology
- Trade
- Justice
- Veterans
- Agriculture
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.