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.

Dates: 2026-01-24 to 2026-01-30

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

CMS Solicits Comments on Domestic PPE and Essential Medicine Procurement for Medicare Hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on potential requirements for Medicare-participating hospitals regarding procurement of American-made personal protective equipment and essential medicines. CMS proposes establishing a 'Secure American Medical Supplies' designation for hospitals meeting domestic sourcing standards, with attendant changes to payment policy and quality reporting metrics. The notice outlines methodologies for payment adjustments and includes questions on auditing, reporting burden, phased implementation, and exceptions for supply disruptions. Comments must be submitted by March 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders Finalized for Thermoformed Molded Fiber Packaging from China and Vietnam

The Department of Commerce announced final antidumping and countervailing duty orders on thermoformed molded fiber products from China and Vietnam used in packaging and foodservice. Affirmative injury determinations by the International Trade Commission led to cash deposit and duty assessments on subject merchandise entered or withdrawn since May 12, 2025, except during the provisional measures lapse period. The scope covers products from cellulose fiber with exclusions for certain paper plates and prepackaged goods. CBP is instructed to suspend liquidation and require deposits based on specified rates, and retroactive duties are imposed for critical circumstances regarding imports from Vietnam.

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

CEQ Launches 'CE Works' Pilot Platform to Digitize Federal Environmental Reviews

The Council on Environmental Quality unveiled the 'CE Works' digital system to facilitate electronic management of categorical exclusion determinations under NEPA, beginning with the Bureau of Land Management's Moab Field Office. The program, developed in partnership with GSA Technology Transformation Services, allows agency staff to select categorical exclusions, route approvals, and generate records suitable for publication. CEQ intends broader adoption to accelerate environmental reviews and permitting for infrastructure and energy projects, pursuant to directives to modernize federal processes.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Slag Pots from China: Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders Imposed

U.S. Department of Commerce published final antidumping and countervailing duty orders targeting imports of slag pots from China, following affirmative findings by the ITC. Slag pots covered under these orders have nominal capacities between 65 and 1200 cubic feet and include finished, unfinished, or further processed articles. Duties apply to entries from June 17, 2025 for AD and April 3, 2025 for CVD, with CBP directed to suspend liquidation and require cash deposits. The orders specify inclusion requirements and annual inquiry list procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Scope Rulings: AD/CVD Orders on Various Industrial Products

The Department of Commerce published a summary of scope rulings for antidumping and countervailing duty orders from July–September 2025. Key decisions include confirmation of AD/CVD coverage for large-diameter welded pipes from India, inclusion of aluminum extrusions from China, and preliminary decisions on the status of imported mattresses and wall standoffs. Comments on list completeness may be submitted to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for AD/CVD Operations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Trump’s Trade Policies Sort Manufacturers Into Winners and Losers: Tariffs continue to impact competitive positions in multiple U.S. manufacturing sectors.
• Critical minerals: licensing, tariffs, and the new supply-chain risk: New licensing and tariff models intensify supply-chain risk for mineral and rare earth procurement.
• The Painstaking Reality of Turning Trump’s Tariffs Into New U.S. Exports: Export gains from tariffs have faced hurdles for small and medium manufacturers.
• SBA loan values up nearly 17% for manufacturers: SBA lending to manufacturers increased significantly year-over-year.
• US solar manufacturing momentum affected by shifting tax credits: Changes in federal tax credits are altering trends in U.S. solar manufacturing investment.
• Sustainable & EV Supply Chain News | Today's Latest Stories: OEMs are evaluating supply chain strategies for electric vehicles and battery materials.
• The top 4 areas AI can benefit packaging circularity today: CGF report: AI is driving new initiatives for packaging circularity across consumer goods supply chains.

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