November 01, 2026 to November 07, 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

EPA Proposes Approval of District of Columbia Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Program

The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule to approve revisions to the District of Columbia’s State Implementation Plan for its motor vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) program. The revision, submitted on June 7, 2024, incorporates regulatory and statutory updates since the last SIP approval in 1999, and certifies that DC’s Enhanced I/M program meets Clean Air Act requirements for both Basic and Enhanced I/M obligations in the area. EPA found the updated rules to be primarily administrative, including amendments to regulations governing inspection frequency, vehicle types subject to inspection, and technical references. The proposed approval is based on modeling performed using the EPA’s MOVES3.1 emissions simulator, showing DC’s program meets or exceeds required emission reduction standards for moderate ozone nonattainment areas. Public comments are requested by December 7, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC Determines to Maintain Duties on Chinese Chassis and Subassemblies

The U.S. International Trade Commission completed its five-year review of countervailing and antidumping duty orders on imports of chassis and subassemblies from China. On October 29, 2026, the Commission determined that revocation of the existing duty orders would likely lead to recurrence of material injury to the U.S. industry within a reasonably foreseeable time. Accordingly, duties on these imports remain in effect.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FMCSA Requests Comments on Metronet Brake Lamp Exemption Application

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a notice requesting public comment on an application from Metronet for an exemption from the requirement that all commercial motor vehicle exterior lighting be steady burning. The exemption would allow Metronet to use Grote Industries' amber brake-activated pulsating strobe lamps on certain pickup truck service vehicles, in addition to steady-burning brake lamps as currently required. Metronet cited prior similar exemptions and internal data on rear-end collisions to support its request. Comments are due by December 4, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Finalizes Countervailing Duty Administrative Review for Korean Steel Plate

The Department of Commerce released final results for its 2024 countervailing duty administrative review on cut-to-length carbon-quality steel plate from the Republic of Korea. The review, covering January 1 to December 31, 2024, found Dongkuk Steel Mill Co., Ltd. received a net countervailable subsidy rate of 1.89%, and Hyundai Steel Company 1.39%. The final results trigger assessment and cash deposit requirements at these rates effective November 5, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Releases Economic Report Emphasizing Manufacturing Growth and Job Gains

A White House release described October jobs figures exceeding forecasts, citing over 1.25 million private sector jobs added since President Trump’s return to office, including 100,000 manufacturing roles and 120,000 factory construction jobs. The administration attributed these gains to tariffs and tax policies, highlighting a 12% drop in the trade deficit, 3.4% Q3 economic growth, and record-high capital goods imports.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Automakers back Trump administration's rollback of US fuel economy rules: Major automakers express support for eased federal fuel economy standards in the United States.
• Tesla set to wind down production of Cybertruck: Tesla is preparing to reduce production of its Cybertruck model according to recent reports.
• EXCLUSIVE: Tesla misled South Korean customers about automated-driving tech, consumer group alleges: A South Korean consumer group alleges Tesla misrepresented capabilities of its automated driving technology.
• Soaring diesel prices helped usher in Democratic sweep: High diesel prices are linked to recent electoral outcomes according to analysis.
• Autos hub Thailand approves steep tax hikes on imported EVs: Thailand's government enacts a 35% tax hike on fully imported electric vehicles.
• PODCAST: What the EU-China car quota means for world trade: Industry podcast discusses the global implications of EU car quotas on Chinese vehicles.

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