September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

U.S. Implements Procurement Measures in Response to Canada’s 'Buy Canadian' Policies

On September 16, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum instructing the Office of Management and Budget, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to exclude Canadian-origin goods from federal civil procurement programs. The action responds to longstanding Canadian 'Buy Canadian' provisions that restrict U.S. firms' access to government procurement contracts, valued at $280 billion. The directive also requires ongoing monitoring of Canada's practices affecting U.S. goods. The Memorandum follows recent decisions not to renew the USMCA, imposition of tariffs on Canadian vehicles and parts under Section 338, and forms part of broader trade measures targeting Canadian imports.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

President Trump Modifies Tariff Scope and Imposes Import Ban on Certain Canadian Automotive Products

On September 8, 2026, President Trump issued two proclamations (11063 and 11065) altering trade measures against Canada. The first proclamation, after receiving recommendations from senior officials, modifies the scope of the 50% ad valorem tariff on Canadian imports, effective September 15, 2026, by narrowing or removing duties on specified items listed in annexes to the proclamation. The second, taking effect September 29, 2026, institutes a full import ban on certain Canadian products, citing continued Canadian discrimination in motor vehicle trade. Goods imported before September 29 but entered after remain subject to the previous 50% duty. U.S. Customs and Border Protection and relevant executive agencies are authorized to update HTSUS codes and enforce these measures.

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

U.S. Commerce Department Initiates Countervailing and Antidumping Duty Investigations on Hydraulic Cylinders

On September 14, 2026, the Department of Commerce initiated countervailing duty (CVD) investigations on certain linear hydraulic cylinders and components from China, India, and Mexico (C-570-241, C-533-953, C-201-871), in response to petitions from the Hydraulic Cylinders Fair Trade Coalition and nine domestic manufacturers. Simultaneously, Commerce initiated antidumping duty (AD) investigations covering imports from Canada, China, India, Korea, and Mexico, citing alleged sales at less-than-fair-value margins between 56.79% and 744.85%. Investigations cover cylinders meeting specific steel barrel and piston rod criteria. The International Trade Commission will deliver preliminary injury determinations within 25 days of notice. Commerce set deadlines for scope comments and respondent selection procedures.

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

EPA Approves Updated Motor Vehicle Emissions Budgets for San Joaquin Valley

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized approval on September 14, 2026, for a revision to California's State Implementation Plan (SIP) for the San Joaquin Valley, updating motor vehicle emissions budgets for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) under the 2008 ozone NAAQS. The revision uses the latest emission modeling (EMFAC2021) and travel projections for 2026, 2029, and 2031. The updated budgets, which supersede prior values, will apply to all subareas in the region and must be used for future transportation conformity determinations. EPA's approval is limited in duration, pending further updates from California as more recent models are developed. The action follows a public comment process and addresses requests for clarity regarding localized VOC changes and public comparison procedures for future revisions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CBP Requests Comment on Revised Export Procedures for Used Self-Propelled Vehicles

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection published a request for comment on September 17, 2026, regarding changes to the information collection procedures for the exportation of used self-propelled vehicles. Exporters must submit documentation, including a certificate of title and vehicle identification number, through the Document Image System at least 72 hours before export to verify ownership and deter vehicle theft. The notice details the estimated annual information collection burden and solicits public input by November 16, 2026. The program is authorized under 19 U.S.C. 1627a and the Anti-Car Theft Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Seeks Renewal for Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver Medication Form Information Collection

On September 15, 2026, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration submitted a request to renew approval for the 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form (MCSA-5895) information collection. Medical examiners may use this form to consult treating healthcare providers on prescribed medications in evaluating commercial driver fitness. The collection is voluntary, with an estimated 1.47 million possible respondents and a total annual burden of approximately 311,375 hours. The application seeks comments by October 15, 2026, and includes FMCSA’s response to prior recommendations regarding the scope and contents of the form.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NHTSA Requests Reinstatement for Criminal Penalty Safe Harbor Provision Information Collection

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is seeking a three-year reinstatement of its information collection for the Criminal Penalty Safe Harbor Provision, as announced on September 15, 2026. The provision, established under the TREAD Act, allows manufacturers and others to self-report improper or missing safety-related vehicle defect reports to NHTSA, shielding them from criminal penalties if corrected in a timely manner. NHTSA estimates one annual respondent at a two-hour burden, and invites public comment through October 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Executive Order Restructures Federal Role in Chesapeake Bay Water Quality

On September 16, 2026, President Trump signed an Executive Order rescinding the 2009 Obama-era Chesapeake Bay mandate and directing federal agencies, including the EPA, to redirect resources from administrative costs toward measurable water quality improvements under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The Order removes federal requirements supporting stormwater management fees, prioritizes funding for impactful projects, and instructs the EPA to assess financial burdens while consolidating resources for more efficient support of states and the District of Columbia. Associated deregulatory actions include changes to fuel economy standards and revocation of the prior administration’s 'Endangerment Finding.'

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• How Trump’s war on EVs derailed America’s auto-factory revival: Reuters examines the impact of Trump administration policies on U.S. electric vehicle plant development.
• EXCLUSIVE: China's Xpeng plans to offer tech solutions to foreign automakers: Xpeng signals plans to provide technical solutions to global automotive manufacturers.
• Chinese EV maker BYD recalls more than 180,000 cars over brake pedal risk: BYD initiates a major recall due to a brake pedal issue affecting over 180,000 vehicles.
• Trump's EPA reforms are a huge boost to manufacturers, but there's more red tape to cut: Expert: Fox News highlights views on the effects of EPA regulatory reforms for manufacturing businesses.
• How diesel prices and pending truck rules could hike your grocery bill: USA Today reports on the link between diesel prices, truck emissions regulation, and consumer food costs.
• Defense Hiring Will Ease, Not End, Pain in European Car Industry: The New York Times discusses the challenges European carmakers face amid new hiring trends.

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