May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, rental companies, and importers/exporters in the automotive industry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Automotive - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Hearing on Transportation Innovation: The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee will hold an open hearing on June 9 to examine how technological advances are driving transportation innovation.

Federal Government News

White House Expands Section 232 Tariffs on Metal Imports

President Trump issued a proclamation on June 1 modifying tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports. The 15% ad valorem duty now covers agricultural equipment and residential HVAC systems, with temporary changes affecting mobile industrial equipment. New products such as aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks are included in derivative tariffs. The domestic content threshold for qualifying U.S.-made products drops from 95% to 85%, aiming to encourage use of domestic metals. Adjustments are made for certain countries and products, and enforcement is delegated to the Secretary of Commerce. The proclamation authorizes updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and directs agencies to implement these changes.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order Strengthens U.S. Customs Enforcement

President Trump signed an executive order on June 3 to revise customs processes, emphasizing stricter importer eligibility, asset and bond requirements, and enhanced vetting. Foreign importers of record (IORs) now face new prohibitions on informal entries and stricter formal entry rules. Enforcement will prioritize action against duty evasion, misclassification, and forced labor imports, with a minimum 50% penalty floor for violations. The order mandates additional import disclosures and improved IOR registries, with further legislative recommendations to boost compliance.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NHTSA Removes Obsolete Safety Standards

Multiple final rules from NHTSA in early June delete outdated requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Obsolete provisions are removed from FMVSS No. 214 (side impact), FMVSS No. 301 (fuel system integrity), FMVSS No. 206 (door locks and retention), and FMVSS No. 205/205(a) (glazing materials). Procedural rules under the Consumer Assistance To Recycle and Save Act of 2009 are eliminated, and redundant text is withdrawn from FMVSS. The Justice Department also lodged a consent decree resolving alleged Clean Air Act violations tied to the sale of aftermarket devices that defeat emission controls; defendants will pay $700,000 in civil penalties and cease violating practice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

ITC Institutes Five-Year Reviews of Tire Import Orders

On June 1, the U.S. International Trade Commission began five-year reviews of countervailing and antidumping duty orders on passenger vehicle and light truck tires from Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The Commission seeks information from stakeholders regarding production, import volume, price effects, and industry impact. Responses are due July 1, with final action dependent on review results.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Van-Type Trailers from Canada CVD Investigation Terminated

Commerce announced on June 5 the termination of its countervailing duty investigation into van-type trailers and subassemblies from Canada following the withdrawal of the petition by the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition. The notice reminds parties of their obligations regarding proprietary information under Administrative Protective Order.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Foreign-Trade Zone Production Notification – Callies Performance Products Inc.

Callies Performance Products Inc submitted a notification for proposed FTZ production activity at its Fostoria, Ohio facility. Finished products include steel crankshafts and connecting rods, with duty rates ranging from 2.5–2.8%. Public comment period is open until July 13, and the FTZ Board will review compliance with privileged foreign status requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

State Emissions Authority Act of 2026

Bill 9083 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It seeks to expand state-level authority on emission regulation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to repeal the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers

Bill 4657 would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, repealing the federal excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill regarding deduction for vehicle loan interest payments

Bill 4653 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. It proposes allowing a deduction for loan interest payments on certain vehicles.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill on noncompliant motor vehicle equipment for testing

Bill 4679 amends title 49 to permit introduction of certain noncompliant motor vehicle equipment in interstate commerce for testing purposes. The bill was read twice and referred to the Commerce Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill exempting stinger-steered combinations from flag requirements

Bill 4669 would exempt stinger-steered combinations from requirements to include warning flags on projecting loads. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

CLEAN Act

Bill 1687, titled the CLEAN Act, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. It addresses matters in the energy policy area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Joint Resolution on EPA Emission Standards Rule

Bill 188 is a joint resolution proposing congressional disapproval of the EPA's repeal of national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. The motion to proceed in the Senate was rejected by a vote of 46-53.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Automakers urge EPA to move quickly to rewrite vehicle pollution rules, back two-year delay: Automakers are calling for a two-year delay and swift EPA revision of vehicle emission rules.
• China's carmakers expand their presence in Europe: Chinese carmakers increase market share and operations across Europe.
• Stellantis deepens France investment with new Peugeot EV production: Stellantis announces new Peugeot electric vehicle models to be produced in Mulhouse, France.
• Most EU countries lack strong tax incentives for company electric cars, T&E says: A study finds most EU countries provide insufficient corporate tax incentives for electric cars.
• US Senate faces tough vote on nationwide E15 gasoline sales expansion: Legislation to permit nationwide E15 gasoline sales faces a difficult Senate vote.
• Auto market turmoil takes toll on German carmakers, study says: German car manufacturers are experiencing significant challenges due to market turmoil.
• U.S. Forest Service to Open Millions of Acres to Off-Road Vehicles, Memo Shows: A Forest Service memo shows plans to open extensive public lands access for off-road vehicles.

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