August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

EPA 2026 Unified Agenda: Regulatory Reviews and Clean Air Act Actions

The Environmental Protection Agency released its 2026 Unified Agenda, detailing current and upcoming rulemakings affecting the manufacturing sector. The agency initiated Section 610 reviews for the Risk Management Program (CAA section 112(r)), formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products under TSCA, and emission standards for oil and natural gas sector sources. The finalized Section 610 review of NESHAP for brick and structural clay and ceramics manufacturing is ongoing. Regulatory flexibility analyses are underway to assess impacts on small businesses. Upcoming proposed rules include new standards for residential wood heaters with deadlines set by a consent decree. The agenda also announces long-term actions for hydronic heaters and halogenated solvent cleaners. Key regulations reviewed affect mercury emission, hazardous air pollutants, and solvent standards for various industrial operations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Announces Tariffs on Drone Imports and Expanded Domestic Manufacturing Incentives

President Trump issued a Proclamation imposing tariffs on drones and their components to bolster national security and enhance domestic manufacturing. Larger drones and critical components will face a 100% ad valorem rate, while smaller drones and select parts carry a 25% rate. Imports from the EU, Japan, and other allies will face lower tariff levels. The Secretary of Commerce was directed to launch an onshoring program for drone production, offering tariff benefits for companies establishing US facilities. These measures begin within 21 days for most items, with certain exemptions delayed by 180 days. The proclamation follows a Section 232 investigation into supply chain vulnerabilities and includes provisions to monitor compliance, authorize enforcement, and adjust policy as needed.

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

US Department of Commerce: Preliminary Revocation of Antidumping Orders on Aluminum Can Stock

The Commerce Department initiated and issued preliminary determinations for partial revocation of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on common alloy aluminum sheet imports used for beverage cans, lids, and tabs. The review covers aluminum can stock from China, Bahrain, Brazil, Croatia, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Oman, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, and Türkiye. The Aluminum Association expressed no interest in continuing the orders for can stock, supporting the request. The proposed modification expands exclusions for aluminum can stock meeting defined specifications and not classified under certain HTSUS codes, with revocation applied retroactively to all unliquidated entries. Comments and hearings may be requested within 14 days, and final results are anticipated within either 270 or 45 days, depending on stakeholder consensus.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOE Finalizes Material Sufficiency Plan for Nuclear Fuel Cycle Consortium

The Department of Energy published the final Material Sufficiency Committee plan for its Nuclear Fuel Cycle Consortium, implementing the Defense Production Act and relevant Executive Orders. The plan addresses strategies for domestic production of uranium, conversion and enrichment capacity gaps, and regulatory acceleration. Subcommittees will prepare deliverables aimed at permitting and regulatory acceleration for uranium projects, and assess medium- to long-term capacity for LEU and HALEU to support national security and advanced reactor needs. The plan outlines participation requirements, collaboration with federal agencies, and antitrust defenses for consortium actions, with reporting and recordkeeping mandated for all meetings and deliverables. Stakeholders are invited to provide uranium production and demand data for gap analysis, which will inform future federal actions on supply chain resilience.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Solicits Public Interest Submissions on LCD Glass Substrate Imports

The US International Trade Commission announced a request for public comment on the recommended relief for certain glass substrates for liquid crystal displays and related products, following an Initial Determination of Section 337 violation. Remedies under consideration include a limited exclusion order affecting imports by Chinese and US respondents, and a cease and desist order for specific US companies. The Commission seeks input on competitive conditions, US production capacity, and consumer impacts should the orders be implemented. Submissions must address the ability of US producers to replace imports, and comment on public health, safety, and economic concerns. Comments are due by September 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Hazardous Materials Transparency Act Introduced

Bill 10108, Hazardous Materials Transparency Act, was referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill proposes new requirements for reporting hazardous materials in supply chains.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Bill Advances

Bill 10083, Water Technology and Resilience Reauthorization Act, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on August 13. The proposal aims to renew federal support for water technology and infrastructure improvements.

Sources: www.congress.gov

EPA Rule Disapprovals for California Nonroad Engine Regulations

Bill 213 allows for congressional disapproval of the EPA rule regarding California commercial harbor craft pollution standards. Latest action: referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

EPA Rule Disapprovals for Small Off-Road Engine Regulations

Bill 214 provides for congressional disapproval of EPA's rule on California's small off-road engine standards. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Study on Expansion of Reprocessed Single-Use Devices

Bill 10088 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the FDA Commissioner, to assess expansion of reprocessed single-use devices. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Canada Manufacturing Sales Rise for Fifth Straight Month in June: Canadian manufacturing sales increased again in June, marking a five-month growth streak.
• Solar industry grapples with cutting its growing waste stream: The solar sector faces challenges in reducing the mounting waste from decommissioned panels.
• GM inks deal to guard against future parts-supply shocks: GM signs an agreement to secure supply chain resilience for automotive parts.
• RFK Jr. is targeting a decades-old loophole allowing chemicals in food supply: RFK Jr. launches a plan to address regulatory loopholes for chemicals in the US food supply.
• Ukraine's war-hit steel industry faces new obstacle: EU rules: Ukraine’s steel manufacturers confront new compliance challenges set by updated EU regulations.
• 5E Advanced Materials Receives $8 Million EXIM Investment as Fort Cady Boron Project Gains White House Recognition: 5E Advanced Materials secures EXIM investment amid White House approval for boron project.

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