This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning most types of manufacturing activities (except agricultural, automotive, aerospace, food, and pharmaceutical), e.g. textile and apparel, chemical, electronics, wood and paper, metals, plastics and rubber, packaging, and machining. 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 Manufacturing? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Mining and Oil & Gas.

Dates: 2026-01-05 to 2026-01-16

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Presidential Proclamation on Imports of Advanced Chips and Manufacturing Equipment

On January 14, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation imposing a 25% tariff on certain advanced computing chips unless they contribute to U.S. supply chain development. The order exempts chip imports directed to data centers, repairs, research, startups, consumer applications, and public sector use. The Secretary of Commerce is directed to negotiate agreements and monitor supply chain developments. The 232 investigation noted foreign dependency and insufficient domestic production capacity; tariffs supplement trade negotiations to incentivize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The proclamation authorizes agencies to implement the order immediately and supersedes prior inconsistent actions.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Presidential Proclamation on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products

President Trump issued a Section 232 proclamation on January 14, 2026, targeting imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products. The Secretary of Commerce determined that reliance on foreign sources for these minerals, coupled with declining U.S. production and volatile prices, causes vulnerabilities in defense and infrastructure sectors. The directive instructs Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate supply agreements and, if negotiations fail, potentially impose import restrictions, tariffs, or price floors. Regular monitoring and status reports on imports and negotiations are mandated.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From China and Vietnam: Final Injury Determinations

On January 7, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission found the domestic industry materially injured by imports of thermoformed molded fiber products (TMFPs) from China and Vietnam. The products, classified under HTSUS 4823.70.00, were determined by the Department of Commerce to be subsidized and sold at less than fair value. Affirmative critical circumstances for TMFPs from Vietnam could undermine the remedial effect of the orders. The investigation resulted from petitions by U.S. manufacturers and unions, with all parties participating in hearings held September 30, 2025.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Superfund Tax Petition for Acrylate Monomer Synthetic Rubber in Water Emulsion

The IRS announced a petition from Zeon Chemicals L.P. to add acrylate monomer synthetic rubber in a water emulsion (ACM Latex) to the list of taxable substances under section 4672(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. ACM Latex is used in electric vehicle battery production, with taxable chemicals comprising 45.45% of inputs. The proposed tax rate is $5.73 per ton. The production process uses ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and methoxy ethyl acrylate. Public comments and hearing requests are invited until March 16, 2026. The IRS will publicly disclose all submissions but has not yet confirmed petition accuracy.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Administrative Reviews for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders

The Department of Commerce has initiated administrative reviews for numerous antidumping and countervailing duty orders with October anniversary dates across products such as steel flanges, hot-rolled steel, and pressure washers, involving countries from India to the Netherlands. Respondent selection will rely on CBP data and company questionnaires. The reviews feature deadlines for Q&V data, market situation allegations, separate rate applications for NME countries, and eligibility certifications. Reviews will conclude by October 31, 2026; parties must withdraw participation within 90 days, while requests for extensions will be examined case-by-case.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Public Safety Communications Act Advances in House

H.R. 1519, the Public Safety Communications Act, addresses technology and communications in the science and safety policy area. On January 15, 2026, the bill was forwarded by subcommittee to the full committee by voice vote. This marks continued progress in committee consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Rethinking manufacturing: The case for onshoring production: Industry leaders discuss trends making U.S. production more attractive amid global supply chain pressures.
• Federal bill aims to reclassify chemical recycling as a manufacturing process: Proposed legislation seeks EPA reclassification of chemical recycling to change compliance burdens and recognition in manufacturing.
• 5 manufacturing trends to watch in 2026: Key developments expected to affect the sector include new tariffs, workforce changes, and increasing adoption of AI and chemical innovation.

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