July 19, 2026 to July 25, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning the trucking, rail, and shipping industries, ports, storage centers, cargo and container terminals, international and inter-provincial logistics, fulfillment centres, courier and delivery services. 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 Freight & Transport? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Oil & Gas and Defence. Also consider subscribing to our Freight & Transport - 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 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Business Meeting Scheduled: The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee will hold an open business meeting on July 30, considering bills on education, railroad retirement, literacy, health information protection, and nominations for senior positions.

Federal Government News

USTR Implements New Tariffs to Combat Forced Labor Imports

The White House issued a memorandum directing the U.S. Trade Representative to implement tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, targeting economies that fail to prohibit or enforce bans on imports produced with forced labor. Tariffs include rates of 10% and 12.5%, exemptions for specific goods, and tariff-rate quotas for textiles and apparel to promote U.S. cotton and textile imports. Measures will adjust to reflect economies that enact forced labor prohibitions, with full text published in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Executive Order Secures Defense Supply Chains and Restricts Foreign Sourcing

President Trump issued an executive order mandating strict domestic or allied sourcing for critical defense materials starting January 2027. Contractors must identify non-compliant sources, submit mitigation plans, and document remediation timelines. The Department of War will develop regulations for mapping critical supply chains, vetting suppliers, and enforcing compliance. Waivers for non-compliant materials will be limited, and progress will be reported semi-annually.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Tariffs Imposed on Canadian Motor Vehicles Under Section 338

President Trump announced a 50% ad valorem duty on specified Canadian products, effective August 19, 2026, in response to Canada's tariff measures on U.S. motor vehicles. The action targets Canada's tiered tariffs and tariff-rate quotas, which have reduced U.S. exports by 22% since April 2025. The proclamation authorizes changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and implementation by U.S. Customs, aiming to promote domestic production and incentivize removal of Canadian measures.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Aluminum Import Tariff Incentive Program to Boost U.S. Smelter Investment

President Trump expanded Section 232 aluminum import tariffs by establishing an incentive program for companies investing in U.S. aluminum smelting. Approved firms will be able to import primary aluminum at reduced rates, contingent on meeting specific production and timeline criteria. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with oversight and enforcement, with benefits rescinded for non-compliance, and continued monitoring of national security risks.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Maritime Administration Establishes Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee

The Maritime Administration announced the formation of the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee (ASFAC) and issued a call for nominations. The ASFAC will advise on Arctic maritime transportation policy, infrastructure, and potential establishment of a U.S. seaway development corporation. The committee’s 17 members will be drawn from maritime, business, labor, Alaska Native, and coastal community stakeholders, and is authorized for an eight-year term with annual meetings.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act Advances in Committee

Senate Bill 3885, the Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act, was ordered to be reported favorably with substitute amendments by the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The bill addresses wide-ranging aviation industry issues.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Aviation Medication Transparency Act Ordered Favorably

Senate Bill 3258, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025, cleared the Commerce Committee with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. The bill seeks to heighten pharmaceutical transparency for aviation workers.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act Advanced

Senate Bill 1759, the Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act, was ordered to be reported favorably by the Commerce Committee. The bill addresses regulatory and development aspects of supersonic passenger flight.

Sources: www.congress.gov

FLOWS Act of 2026 Referred to House Committees

House Bill 9776, FLOWS Act of 2026, was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee for jurisdictional review. The bill involves aspects of freight, logistics, and supply chains.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Maritime and Shipbuilding Tax Incentive Bill Introduced

House Bill 9921 proposes amendments to the Internal Revenue Code to incentivize construction of U.S. shipyards, supporting national defense and economic security. The bill was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump Unveils New Tariffs Designed to Withstand Legal Scrutiny: President Trump announced new tariffs expected to avoid legal challenges, affecting trade and supply chains.
• 11 indicted in smuggling deaths of 7 migrants in rail cargo container in Texas: Federal authorities indicted 11 individuals linked to the deaths of seven migrants in a Texas rail cargo container.
• The Companies Trading Away Tariff Refund Rights: U.S. firms agree to forego tariff refund rights following changes to international trade policy.
• Add a month at sea and $2.5 million - what it costs oil tankers to flee Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb: Oil tankers rerouting from Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb face higher transit costs and longer delivery times.
• Cathay Pacific flags stronger first-half profit on travel, cargo demand: Cathay Pacific projects increased profit amid rising travel and cargo demand in Asia.

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