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: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

EPA Finalizes NESHAP Amendments for Chemical Manufacturing Area Sources

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule amending the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for chemical manufacturing area sources effective April 1, 2026. The rule establishes additional leak detection and repair (LDAR) protocols, expands electronic reporting, and adds standards for pressure relief devices and pressure vessels in organic hazardous air pollutant (HAP) service. Electronic compliance and periodic reporting are now required, and performance testing of non-flare pollution control devices will occur continuously. The EPA deferred action on regulating ethylene oxide area sources, pending further review. Compliance deadlines vary, with existing sources required to meet new standards by April 1, 2029. Expected outcomes include annual cost increases of $5.7 million and HAP reductions of approximately 160 tons per year.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Raises Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Imports

On April 2, 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation adjusting tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. Effective April 6, the U.S. will apply tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper products valued by full customs value, regardless of metal content. Most steel and aluminum articles will now carry a 50% tariff, select copper items 25%, and lower rates for some UK and U.S.-origin metal content. The rule also ends earlier processes for derivative product inclusion and empowers the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to address new threats. Certain exclusions and country-specific provisions are outlined.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Section 232 Pharmaceutical Tariffs Announced

On April 2, 2026, the White House imposed a 100% tariff on patented pharmaceuticals and their ingredients under Section 232, effective in 120 days for large companies and 180 days for SMEs. Tariff rates are 15% for imports from the EU, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, with a reduced rate for UK-origin products according to a new agreement. Companies entering MFN pricing and domestic manufacturing agreements receive exemptions until January 20, 2029. Generic drugs, biosimilars, and certain specialty products are exempt. Federal monitoring and audit provisions are included, and tariffs are subject to future reassessment.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

ITC Determination: Active Anode Material from China

On April 3, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission determined that imports of active anode material from China, produced under certain Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes, are not materially retarding the U.S. industry, despite findings of subsidization and sales at less than fair value by the Department of Commerce. The investigation's record and outcome are documented in USITC Publication 5719.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Antidumping Duty Administrative Review Amended for Indian PTFE

The Department of Commerce amended the final results for the 2023-2024 administrative review of the antidumping order on granular polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE) from India. Following ministerial error allegations by Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited, Commerce corrected the calculation of U.S. Net price for export sales. The revised weighted-average dumping margin for GFCL is now 1.80% for the period March 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024. Adjustments also impact assessment and cash deposit rates for future entries.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Export Restrictions on Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment

Bill 8170 proposes export restrictions on specific semiconductor manufacturing equipment and related components. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

Bill 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, addresses innovation support and economic security for small businesses. The bill has been presented to the President for signature.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

Illinois Increases Regional Site Readiness Funding to $60 Million

Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois DCEO announced an additional $30 million for the Regional Site Readiness Program, bringing total funding for this round to $60 million and expanding support for project-ready industrial sites across the state.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

California Firms Power Artemis II Lunar Mission

Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted California’s supply chain and workforce contributions to NASA’s Artemis II crewed lunar mission, involving over 500 companies and 16,000 workers from the state.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Texas Opens Applications to Boost Nuclear Manufacturing

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office launched applications to access the $350 million Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, supporting new nuclear construction and domestic fuel supply chain projects.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Illinois Reports Robust Q1 Job Commitments and Investments

Illinois global company expansions in Q1 2026 committed nearly 4,000 jobs and $2.5 billion in investments, surpassing all of 2025, led by manufacturing and life sciences projects.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Vertiv Expands in Ohio, Creating Up to 730 New Jobs

Vertiv announced a $50 million expansion of its Westerville headquarters and Ironton facility, projecting up to 730 new Ohio jobs by 2029, with support from state incentive grants.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

Ohio Approves Seven Projects Totaling 1,328 New Jobs

Governor Mike DeWine announced approval of seven Ohio economic development projects across manufacturing, technology, and services, creating 1,328 new jobs and $123.4 million in investment.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Wiley Launches "The Black Book of Reshoring: The Essential Guide to America's New Manufacturing Boom" by Douglas Brown: Douglas Brown’s new book examines strategies driving manufacturing reshoring in America’s revitalized industrial sector.
• A year later, here's where things stand on Trump's manufacturing revival: Review of manufacturing sector performance a year after implementation of major Trump administration tariff policies.

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