July 19, 2026 to July 25, 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

• House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Markup Scheduled: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will hold a markup session in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2123, on August 1, 2026 at 2:15 PM.

Federal Government News

White House Proclamation Modifies Aluminum Import Tariffs, Launches New Investment Incentives

President Trump issued Proclamation 11045 on July 20, 2026, modifying the Section 232 tariff regime for aluminum imports. The Department of Commerce is directed to establish an investment incentive program allowing approved companies to import primary aluminum at half the current tariff rate if they commit to domestic facility construction, refurbishment, or expansion, with projects required to commence by January 20, 2029. The Secretary will monitor compliance, and benefits may be rescinded in cases of non-performance. These actions build upon previous Section 232 tariffs and are aimed at addressing ongoing supply gaps in primary domestic aluminum production, which is deemed critical for national security and defense industry needs.

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

White House Announces Section 301 Tariffs Targeting Imports Made with Forced Labor

On July 23, 2026, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was directed to impose Section 301 tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on goods from 60 economies identified for their failure to prohibit imports made with forced labor. Exemptions are provided for certain products based on supply and economic considerations, and tariff-rate quotas are implemented on textiles and apparel to incentivize U.S. cotton and textile imports. Tariff rates are subject to future revision based on progress in forced labor enforcement by the affected economies. Details will be published in the Federal Register, and actions may be modified or terminated as warranted.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

ITC Launches Investigation into Anode Materials for Battery Cells and Batteries

The U.S. International Trade Commission instituted a Section 337 investigation on July 21, 2026, following a complaint by Sila Nanotechnologies, Inc. and Georgia Tech Research Corporation regarding the alleged infringement of four U.S. patents covering composite anode materials used in lithium-ion battery cells. Respondents include Carbon ONE New Energy Group Co., Carbon One New Energy (Hangzhou) Co., and Zhejiang Lichen New Material Technology Co., all based in China. The Commission will assess whether an industry in the United States exists and whether the respondents have violated Section 337. Potential remedies include limited exclusion orders and cease and desist orders if infringement is confirmed.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Information Collection Activities: Amino/Phenolic Resins NESHAP Renewal

On July 23, 2026, EPA announced a proposed extension to its periodic information collection requirements for facilities manufacturing amino and phenolic resins. The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Subpart OOO applies to 19 respondent entities, with an annual estimated burden of 23,300 hours and $6.24 million in costs. This renewal maintains ongoing compliance monitoring, recordkeeping, and notification obligations—requirements remain unchanged except for slight increases in labor rates and updated cost indices.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Initiates Circumvention Inquiry on Alkyl Phosphate Esters from China via Canada

The Department of Commerce has begun a country-wide circumvention inquiry into imports of spray-foam systems assembled in Canada using components sourced from China, which may be evading established antidumping and countervailing duty orders on alkyl phosphate esters from China. Commerce will evaluate whether Canadian assembly is minor or insignificant and whether Chinese-origin inputs account for a substantial portion of import value. Questionnaires will be sent to Canadian producers and failure to respond may result in adverse findings. If circumvention is established, expanded suspension of liquidation and cash deposit requirements will apply.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

American Manufacturing Renaissance Act Introduced

Bill 9931: To establish a national manufacturing strategy via local Manufacturing Renaissance Councils, modeled after technology hubs in the Chips and Science Act. The measure aims to address supply chain vulnerabilities and align manufacturing sectors with strategic imperatives. Referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and Workforce, Financial Services, and Agriculture.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act Moves Forward

Bill 9646: Quantum-Enhanced Critical Minerals Mapping Act of 2026. Subcommittee hearings have been held; this bill pertains to advanced mapping of critical minerals for energy and manufacturing purposes.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Joint Resolution Directs FTC to Report on Fire Truck Manufacturing Anticompetitive Practices

Bill 201: Joint resolution instructing the Federal Trade Commission to investigate anticompetitive practices in the fire truck manufacturing industry. Latest action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Accelerate National Electric Grid Modernization Introduced

Bill 9945: Addresses modernization of the national electric grid through support for advanced conductors and related systems. Referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Congressional Disapproval of California Clean Air Waiver Rule

Bill 205: Congressional disapproval resolution regarding the EPA's decision to grant California a waiver for its Advanced Clean Car Program and Zero Emission Vehicle amendments. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Europe's climate agenda risks crushing its industry, environment minister warns: Europe faces industrial threats from strict climate rules, warns environment minister.
• Nuclear Energy Revival Puts Westinghouse in Prime Position: Westinghouse is poised to benefit from increased global demand for nuclear energy.

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