June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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

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

Federal Government News

White House Temporarily Suspends Duties on Phosphate Fertilizer Imports From Morocco

On June 29, 2026, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring an emergency to address threats to phosphate fertilizer availability for U.S. agriculture. The proclamation temporarily suspends anti-dumping and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco for up to eight months or until the emergency ends, aiming to stabilize domestic supply amidst global disruptions and insufficient U.S. production. This action invokes Section 318 of the Tariff Act of 1930, authorizing the Departments of Treasury and Commerce to monitor the situation and report to Congress. Prior trade provisions inconsistent with this order are superseded, while compliance with applicable laws is maintained.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

White House Directs EPA to Reduce Regulatory Barriers for Vehicle Repairs Under the Clean Air Act

President Trump issued a memorandum instructing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address regulatory burdens affecting vehicle repair costs and aftermarket parts certification under the Clean Air Act as of June 29, 2026. The EPA is to provide guidance within 30 days on emission-related repairs and expedite certification for aftermarket parts. The memo deprioritizes enforcement actions against individuals making good-faith repairs and criticizes California Air Resources Board for its certification process delays. It includes measures for intellectual property protection and legal compliance, aiming to reduce costs and increase supply of compliant parts.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Department of Labor Requests Comments on Worker Exposure to Methylenedianiline in General Industry

The Department of Labor submitted an Occupational Safety & Health Administration-sponsored information collection request for the standard on 4,4′-Methylenedianiline in general industry for OMB review, published June 29, 2026. Employers must monitor exposures, provide medical exams and training, and maintain records. The affected private sector entities include 10 respondents, with an estimated annual burden of 319 hours and costs of $26,800. Comments are due by July 29, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Finalizes Countervailing Duties on Silicon Metal Imports from Australia and Norway

On June 30, 2026, the Commerce Department issued final affirmative determinations for countervailing duties on silicon metal imports from Australia and Norway for the period January–December 2024. For Australia, Simcoa Operations Pty, Ltd. and all others were assigned a 32.57% subsidy rate; for Norway, Elkem ASA and all others received a 17.27% rate. The International Trade Commission (ITC) will determine injury to the U.S. industry within 45 days. Measures include suspension of liquidation, pending ITC findings.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

OSHA Seeks Public Input on Derricks Standard Certification Recordkeeping

On July 2, 2026, the Department of Labor submitted an OSHA information collection request for the Derricks Standard. Requirements include marking rated loads, preparing rope inspection certification records, and posting warning signs during maintenance. The affected business sector expects 500 respondents, 7,750 responses, 1,336 annual hours, and no additional annual costs. Comments must be submitted to OMB by August 3, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act Advances in Congress

Bill 7266, titled the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, covers measures in science, technology, and communications relevant to utilities. The latest action was a motion to reconsider, which was agreed to without objection, indicating movement on procedural matters within the legislative process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Sustainable Business: Brief archive of coverage related to business sustainability activities and trends.
• Canada Factory Sector Expands in June on Rising Output, New Orders: Canadian factories reported growth in June driven by increased output and new orders.
• Industrial firms warn EU carbon overhaul could benefit polluters: European manufacturers raised concerns that changes to carbon policy might favor polluting operations.
• Hungary threatens clampdown on EV battery industry after pollution case: Hungarian authorities indicated possible stricter oversight following an EV battery pollution incident.
• Hungary to launch new pollution watchdog for EV battery makers: Hungary announced plans for a new regulatory agency to oversee EV battery manufacturing pollution.
• China’s Manufacturing Activity Expands, Buoyed by Exports: Data shows manufacturing sector growth in China, with exports playing a significant role.
• Air Products to exit Louisiana clean energy project; flags $2.9 billion hit: Air Products will end participation in a Louisiana clean energy effort, taking a notable financial loss.

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