May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026

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.

📋 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 Energy and Natural Resources Committee Business Meeting – June 10: The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a business meeting on June 10 at Dirksen 366, considering bills on forest health, critical minerals, advanced mining technologies, water recycling, and licensing of hydropower and micro hydrokinetic energy projects.

Federal Government News

Presidential Proclamation Adjusts Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Imports

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation revising Section 232 tariff rates on imports of steel, aluminum, and copper, reducing duties on agricultural and industrial equipment from 25% to 15%. Mobile industrial equipment from trade deal countries is now included in the 15% category, and foreign manufacturers using at least 85% U.S.-sourced metal in capital equipment qualify for a 10% rate. These changes—effective until December 31, 2027—aim to support near-term investment and production. The Section 232 program has led to new facilities in steel, aluminum, and copper industries, supporting domestic manufacturing growth and national security.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Further Adjustments to Metal Tariff Regimes

On June 1, President Trump issued a proclamation under Section 232, expanding the 15% duty to additional product categories including agricultural equipment and residential HVAC systems. The definition of U.S.-origin metals is revised: qualifying threshold drops from 95% to 85% content, increasing policy incentives for domestic sourcing. Enforcement and monitoring responsibility rests with the Secretary of Commerce, with agencies directed to implement the revisions in coordination with prior proclamations.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

OSHA Schedules Deregulatory Hearings and Proposes Rule Changes

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced virtual informal hearings starting August 19, 2026, on deregulatory rulemakings published in 2025 and 2026. These proposals target respiratory protection standards for a list of sixteen chemical substances, safety color codes for marking physical hazards, textiles, sawmills, and walking-working surfaces. Employers and stakeholders may testify or submit documentary evidence, with deadlines for intent to appear and hearing materials set for July 6 and August 5, respectively. The agency aims to reduce compliance burdens and modernize workplace safety regulations, notably by permitting more up-to-date technology and aligning chemical substance requirements with general respiratory protection standards.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Receives and Posts New Chemical Submission Reviews (November 2025 – January 2026)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published recent receipt and status information regarding pre-manufacture notifications (PMNs), significant new use notices (SNUNs), microbial commercial activity notices (MCANs), and test marketing exemption applications. Highlights include new battery material submissions, carbon nanotube additives, depolymerized plastic intermediates, and lubricant additives. EPA’s review includes multiple hydrolysis, toxicity, and particle size test results. Public comments for these chemical substances are open until July 6, 2026, with full details published in the Federal Register and accessible via EPA dockets.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Initiates Five-Year Review of Cut-to-Length Carbon Steel Plate Orders

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated fifth reviews under the Tariff Act of 1930 covering antidumping duty orders and suspended investigations for cut-to-length carbon steel plate from China, Russia, and Ukraine. Interested parties must respond by July 1, 2026, with additional comments due August 10. The review will determine whether revocation or termination would likely result in material injury to the U.S. industry, potentially impacting import duties and domestic production competitiveness.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 9091: Advanced Manufacturing for Critical Defense Supply Items

This bill requires the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to report on and implement a plan supporting advanced manufacturing for critical readiness supply items. It is currently referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9097: Manufacturing Workforce Educational Exchange Program

This bill seeks the establishment of an educational exchange initiative aimed at strengthening manufacturing workforce training and skills. The latest action is referral to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9100: Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act

This bill intends to update tax codes concerning agricultural and manufacturing bonds, streamlining financing access for manufacturers and agricultural producers. Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 915: Small Business Technological Act of 2025

This House bill, focusing on commerce and small business technological advancement, has been placed on the Union Calendar (No. 591) for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 1687: CLEAN Act

The CLEAN Act, classified under energy policy, was received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources after passage in the House.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• US manufacturing activity at four-year high, supply constraints growing: ISM reports U.S. manufacturing activity reached its highest level in four years amid rising supply constraints.
• Focus: Wheat, trash, and sweet potatoes: Brazilian ethanol is a smorgasbord of raw materials: Brazilian ethanol producers diversify feedstocks, using wheat, waste, and sweet potatoes to drive biofuel output.
• Canada to extend US steel and aluminum tariff measures for one year: Canadian government extends current U.S. steel and aluminum tariff response measures for an additional year.
• Automakers urge EPA to move quickly to rewrite vehicle pollution rules, back two-year delay: Automakers support EPA revisions to vehicle emission rules and seek a two-year implementation delay.
• Everich Building a Resilient Global Drinkware Supply Chain Amid Industry Transformation: Everich takes steps to strengthen global drinkware supply chain during rapid industry changes.

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