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. Also consider subscribing to our Manufacturing - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Forced Labor Import Practices

The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the launch of Section 301 investigations into the acts, policies, and practices of sixty economies concerning the absence or ineffective enforcement of prohibitions on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The investigations will assess whether such failures are unreasonable or discriminatory and whether they burden or restrict U.S. commerce, with public hearings scheduled to begin April 28, 2026, at the U.S. International Trade Commission. The public has until April 15, 2026, to submit comments and requests to testify, with post-hearing rebuttal comments due seven days after the last day of hearings. The Section 301 Committee will evaluate these policies for potential action, such as the imposition of additional duties or import restrictions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Finalizes National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Polyether Polyols Production Industry Review

The Environmental Protection Agency issued amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) governing the polyether polyols production sector, effective March 18, 2026. The rule revises ethylene oxide-specific standards under Clean Air Act section 112(d)(6), implements new technology review requirements for heat exchange systems, storage vessels, process vents, and equipment leaks, and expands electronic reporting obligations. The final rule modifies compliance demonstration protocols and updates performance test and monitoring requirements. Compliance timelines extend to March 18, 2029, for most existing sources, while new sources must comply by March 18, 2026. Affected parties include operators of polyether polyol manufacturing process units and related emission sources.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation into Excess Manufacturing Capacity in Key Foreign Economies

On March 17, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative initiated Section 301 investigations to determine whether acts, policies, and practices by specified foreign economies relating to structural excess manufacturing capacity, particularly in sectors such as steel, aluminum, chemicals, and plastics, are actionable. The USTR is accepting public comments through its portal until April 15, 2026, and will convene hearings beginning May 5, 2026. The outcome may lead to determinations of unfair trade practices and potential imposition of trade remedies. Economies under review include China, the EU, and multiple Asian, European, and Latin American countries.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Executive Order Targets Truth in 'Made in America' Advertising

President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14392, instructing the Federal Trade Commission to prioritize enforcement and consider new regulations on deceptive use of 'Made in America' and similar claims, particularly in online marketplaces. The order outlines interagency collaboration for oversight, requiring periodic review of procurement contracts and penalties for misrepresented country-of-origin claims through removal from government procurement and potential Department of Justice referral under the False Claims Act.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Initiates Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review for Large Diameter Welded Pipe from Canada

The Department of Commerce announced initiation of a changed circumstances review regarding whether Interpro Pipe & Steel Inc. is the successor-in-interest to Evraz Inc. NA Canada for purposes of the antidumping duty order on large diameter welded pipe. The review will assess changes in management, ownership, and operations following Interpro's acquisition of Evraz, including implications for assigned cash deposit rates. The review will proceed under statutory and regulatory procedures, with preliminary and final findings to follow.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to support the development, demonstration, and commercial application of biotechnology products to increase energy resiliency, and for other purposes.

Bill 7936 proposes to amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand development, demonstration, and commercialization of biotechnology products aimed at increasing energy resiliency. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the IRS Clean Electricity Credits Rule

Joint Resolution 107 seeks congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, for the IRS rule regarding construction requirements related to the termination of clean electricity production and investment credits for wind and solar facilities. The resolution has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders, Calendar No. 363.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2025

S. 1269, Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2025, is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, with hearings held to discuss strengthening U.S. participation in global science and technology standards setting.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Mining Regulatory Clarity Act

House Bill 1366, Mining Regulatory Clarity Act, addresses regulatory procedures in the mining sector. The bill has been read twice and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders, Calendar No. 357.

Sources: www.congress.gov

NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act

H.R. 7813, NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, seeks to update and enhance the national weather radio system. The bill was ordered to be reported (amended) by voice vote.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Nano One Advances Candiac LFP Production Capacity Expansion Project, Detailed Engineering & Equipment Procurement: Nano One details progress on expansion planning and engineering for its Candiac lithium iron phosphate production facility.

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