Commerce Comments on Section 232 Investigation into Robotics and Industrial Machinery Imports: On 17 October, PMMI submitted comments in response to a Federal Register Notice (FRN) published by the Bureau of Industry and Security regarding the Section 232 investigation into robotics and industrial machinery imports. PMMI noted that robotic imports for the processing and packaging machinery sector pose minimal security risk and should not be targeted for Section 232 tariffs.
European Commission Prods U.S. to Remove tariffs on Metals Content: On 14 October, Brussels requested Washington implement parts of the U.S-EU agreement that yet to have entered into force. The European Commission believes it has fulfilled its side of the agreement with the recent proposal to increase tariffs for steel to 50%, halve current quotas, and clarify where steel originates. Through the joint agreement, the 50% U.S. tariffs would be replaced with possible duty-free or low-tariff quotas for EU originating steel and derivatives.
Status of US Bilaterial Negotiations and Discussions: Please see the chart below for the latest on how certain countries are engaging with the United States in effort to reduce reciprocal tariffs and conclude bilateral deals.
Trade Policy Actions by Other Countries
China Will Intensify Action at the WTO: On 17 October, Reuters reported China will pursue cases through dispute settlement, leverage the trade policy review to scrutinize U.S. measures, and work with members to restore a functioning appeals stage for the enforcement of rules. The Ministry of Commerce of China cited repeated use of discriminatory policies, reciprocal tariffs, and unilateral sanctions that contravene WTO commitments. The announcement comes as the U.S.-China trade war continues to intensify prior to the APEC meetings in South Korea starting 31 October.
UK Finance Minister Targets Russian Oil Sales to India and Russia: On 15 October, the UK introduced new sanctions on two Russian oil companies that continued Russian oil sales into the global markets. The bid also pressures Indian and Chinese companies continuing to enable the flow of Russian oil.
