Trade Directives

Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States

The proclamation terminates existing steel import agreements with multiple countries and implements a uniform 25% tariff on all steel imports effective March 12, 2025.

It eliminates the product exclusion process, expands derivative steel product coverage, and strengthens enforcement measures.

The changes aim to address rising import levels, global excess capacity, and perceived shortcomings in current arrangements that have prevented domestic steel industry from maintaining targeted capacity utilization rates.

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Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security

This presidential order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days.

The order directs the Attorney General to review current FCPA guidelines and policies, aiming to curb what the President views as excessive and counterproductive enforcement that harms American economic competitiveness and national security.

The review will lead to updated guidelines prioritizing American interests, and the Attorney General is tasked with potentially taking remedial action regarding previous enforcement actions.

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Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

President's order mandates the federal government to cease purchasing and providing paper straws, deeming them environmentally and economically inefficient.

The order also encourages nationwide elimination of paper straw use by addressing relevant policies and collaborating with entities that penalize plastic straw use.

This is presented as a response to a perceived irrational campaign against plastic straws in favor of paper options with unanticipated negative side effects.

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Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China

The President issued an amendment to the Executive Order of February 1, 2025, concerning duties on synthetic opioids from China.

This amendment replaces subsection (g) of Section 2, clarifying that duty-free *de minimis* treatment will cease upon notification from the Secretary of Commerce that adequate systems exist for efficiently collecting tariffs.

The order also contains general provisions ensuring its implementation is in line with existing laws, and clarifying that it does not create new legal rights.

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National Security Presidential Memorandum/NSPM-2

This presidential memorandum directs multiple US agencies to implement a comprehensive strategy of maximum pressure against Iran.

The strategy aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, neutralize its regional aggression, disrupt its support for terrorist groups, and counter its development of weapons capabilities.

It involves imposing and enhancing sanctions, isolating Iran diplomatically, and pursuing legal action against Iranian entities and individuals involved in terrorism and sanctions evasion.

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Progress on the Situation at Our Northern Border

On February 1, 2025, the President imposed tariffs on Canadian goods due to concerns about drug and human trafficking.

This order pauses those tariffs until March 4, 2025, to assess Canada's response to the crisis.

The pause allows for further evaluation of Canada's actions to mitigate the issues affecting the US border, and the tariffs will be reinstated if the situation worsens or insufficient action is taken.

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Progress on the Situation at Our Southern Border

This presidential order pauses previously imposed tariffs on Mexican goods.

The pause allows for assessment of Mexico's response to the illegal immigration and drug trafficking crisis at the US-Mexico border.

If Mexico's actions are deemed insufficient, the tariffs will be reinstated.

The order cites the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the National Emergencies Act, and sections of the Trade Act of 1974 and Title 3 of the US Code as legal basis.

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Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our National Border

President Trump issued an executive order imposing a 25% ad valorem tariff on most Canadian goods and a 10% tariff on energy resources, citing Canada's failure to adequately address the influx of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, across the US-Canada border.

This action is framed as a national emergency response to a public health crisis and a threat to national security.

The order includes provisions for potential tariff escalation if Canada retaliates and requires regular reporting to Congress.

The tariffs will be removed upon the President's determination that Canada has taken sufficient action.

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