This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news coverings foreign affairs and international relations. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Dates: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Advancing National Security through Commercial Diplomacy (House Foreign Affairs Committee, Feb 24, 2026): The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing titled 'Advancing National Security through Commercial Diplomacy' on February 24, 2026, with Under Secretary Jacob Helberg of the State Department.
• Strengthening Export Control Enforcement (House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee, Feb 24, 2026): A hearing on strengthening export control enforcement is scheduled for February 24, 2026, featuring Assistant Secretary David Peters, Bureau of Industry and Security, Commerce Department.
• Modernization of the Organic Industrial Base (House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces, Feb 24, 2026): The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces will meet February 24, 2026, to review the modernization of the organic industrial base with Army officials.
• Closed Briefing on Tech Competition, Critical Minerals, and Supply Chain Security (Senate Foreign Relations, Feb 26, 2026): Senate Foreign Relations Committee will conduct a closed briefing on February 26, 2026, focusing on technological competition, critical minerals, and supply chain security.

Federal Government News

Citric Acid and Citrate Salts: Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations for Canada and India

The U.S. Department of Commerce launched less-than-fair-value (LTFV) and countervailing duty (CVD) investigations into imports of citric acid and certain citrate salts from Canada and India. Petitions filed by Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Cargill, and Primary Products Ingredients Americas LLC allege dumping margins of 64.61–84.41% for Canada and 100.21–151.73% for India. The scope covers all grades and forms, including blends where citric acid or citrate salts constitute at least 40% by weight. Respondent selection will focus on Jungbunzlauer Canada Inc. for Canada and CBP import data for Indian exporters. Comments on product scope are requested by March 2, 2026; rebuttals by March 12. The ITC will determine preliminary injury within 45 days of petition filing. Commerce outlines submission and certification requirements for factual information and clarifies deadlines for extensions.

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

Executive Order: Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides

President Trump issued an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to secure domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, citing their importance for defense, semiconductors, batteries, and agricultural security. The order delegates regulatory authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to manage contracts and resource allocation, including safeguarding domestic producers. The order also provides immunity under the Defense Production Act and mandates compliance by U.S. producers. There is only one domestic producer for phosphorus; reduced output is noted as a national security risk. Prior executive actions included mineral production orders and Section 232 tariffs.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Notifications to Congress of Proposed Commercial Export Licenses for Defense Articles

The U.S. State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls issued notifications to Congress for proposed commercial export licenses under the Arms Export Control Act, covering defense exports valued above $1 million from July to September 2025. Approvals include missile systems for Israel ($100M), radar systems for Canada, Germany, and Norway ($100M), anti-tank systems for the UK ($100M), NATO transport aircraft for Hungary, Luxembourg, and the UK ($100M), light attack aircraft for South Korea ($100M), and fighter aircraft parts for Australia ($100M). Additional shipments of rifles, thermal batteries, mine detection systems, and sonobuoy subassemblies span allied countries. These actions factor in arms control, human rights, and economic considerations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice: Complaint on Importation of NAND and DRAM Memory Chips

The U.S. International Trade Commission received a complaint for section 337 violations regarding imported NAND and DRAM chips. MonolithIC 3D Inc. alleges infringement by KIOXIA companies (Japan, Taiwan), SK hynix (Korea, U.S.), and requests exclusion orders, cease and desist orders, and bonds during the Presidential review. The Commission solicits public comments on potential health and welfare impacts and competitive conditions, with a deadline eight days after publication. Submissions must adhere to EDIS filing procedures, and confidential treatment requests are reviewed per 19 CFR 201.6.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Foreign-Trade Zone 22: Notification of Proposed Production Activity for Polymer or Silicone Coated Fabrics

AFC Specialty Coatings Group, LLC in Lake in the Hills, Illinois, submitted a notification to the Foreign-Trade Zones Board for production activities involving polymer or silicone coated fabrics. Proposed products include PTFE and silicone coated fiberglass/aramid fabrics, pressure-sensitive tapes, molded composite trays, and conveyor belting. Foreign materials subject to duties include silicone, neoprene, adhesives, pigments, resins, and woven fabrics. Some components may be impacted by AD/CVD orders or trade restrictions under section 1702, 232, or 301, requiring admission to the zone in privileged foreign status. Public comments are invited through March 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Cuba and Vessel Anchorage Authority

A Presidential Notice extends the national emergency relating to Cuba and authority over vessel anchorage, initially declared in 1996 following the destruction of two U.S.-registered aircraft. Subsequent proclamations expanded the emergency to address excessive force by Cuba and threats of mass migration. The current continuation, invoked under the National Emergencies Act, was signed February 13, 2026, and will be transmitted to Congress.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

2026 Trade and Cargo Security Summit Announced by CBP

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will host the 2026 Trade and Cargo Security Summit in Dallas, Texas, from April 28–30. The summit features panel discussions among CBP personnel, trade community representatives, and other agencies on trade initiatives and programs. Registration opened February 11, 2026, with fees set at $328 for in-person attendance and $28 virtual. Sessions include general panels and breakout meetings; the agenda and registration details are listed on the event website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Trump Administration Finalizes Trade Deal With Indonesia

President Trump and President Prabowo Subianto met in Washington on February 19, 2026, affirming progress on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade. The deal provides market access for U.S. manufacturing, agriculture, and digital sectors, removes tariffs on over 99% of U.S. exports, and initiates commercial agreements totaling $33 billion. Freeport-McMoRan will expand in Indonesia's Grasberg mine, generating $10 billion annually. Indonesia adopts a forced labor import ban, joins the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity, and enhances supply chain resilience. The U.S. retains a 19% reciprocal tariff for most Indonesian imports.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Promotes AI Adoption, Sovereignty, and Exports at India AI Impact Summit

At the India AI Impact Summit 2026, the U.S. delegation, led by Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, outlined the American AI Exports Program and the National Champions Initiative. The U.S. calls for strategic autonomy, rapid AI adoption, and the implementation of agentic AI standards from NIST. Initiatives include the U.S. Tech Corps for technical support and financing programs for international AI deployment. The approach rejects global governance and aims to share U.S. technologies with allies for mutual prosperity.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov, www.whitehouse.gov

Secretary Rubio's Speech at Munich Security Conference

On February 15, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the Munich Security Conference, presenting President Trump’s vision for a renewed transatlantic alliance grounded in heritage, sovereignty, and Western values. Rubio called on European leaders to reclaim sovereignty, manage migration, and strengthen defense. The speech received widespread approval from U.S. politicians and media for its clarity and vision, with remarks on the need for Europe to bolster its military and economic independence.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

President Trump Celebrates America’s New Golden Age on Presidents’ Day

On Presidents’ Day, President Trump marked economic and military gains in his second term, citing falling inflation, rising real earnings, and record stock market highs. He referenced strengthened defense spending, modernization efforts, security operations abroad, and significant reductions in violent crime, border apprehensions, and overdose deaths.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada Seeks Meeting With USTR Greer to Address Bilateral Trade Irritants: Canada pursues diplomatic talks with USTR Greer over trade disputes.
• Canada defense plan aims to reduce ‘dependency’ on US: Canada outlines measures to decrease reliance on the U.S. for defense.
• Canada to Prioritize Domestic Firms in Defense-Spending Plan Amid U.S. Tension: Canadian government plans preferential defense procurement for national industry.
• The Phantom Stealth Fighter That Exposes Europe’s Deep Divisions Over Defense: European defense divisions surface in development of new stealth fighter.
• Rubio, Hegseth: New way of managing US weapons sales puts America first: Commentary discusses changes to U.S. weapons export process favoring allies.
• Opinion | If You Want Peace, Don’t Lose the Nuclear Arms Race: Opinion piece addresses risks of losing the nuclear arms race.
• After First Big Overseas Trip, Ocasio-Cortez Expresses Frustrations: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez shares views after attending Munich Security Conference.
• The secret assassination plots, scandals and four-year war that left Volodymyr Zelensky battered – but still standing: CNN examines political and military challenges faced by President Zelensky.

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