This Week in Manufacturing — Washington (#32, 2026)
US issues new silicon metal antidumping orders; tariff adjustments for steel and aluminum under Proclamation 10984; Ford moves Lincoln production to US; OSHA opens comment on cadmium data collection; ITC initiates transformer investigation.
August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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.
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📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
Federal Government News
Silicon Metal From Australia and Norway: Antidumping Duty Orders Announced
The Department of Commerce has issued antidumping duty orders on silicon metal imports from Australia and Norway following affirmative determinations of injury by the U.S. International Trade Commission. The orders cover all forms and sizes of silicon metal with at least 85% and less than 99.99% silicon content, excluding semiconductor-grade material. These orders are effective as of August 21, 2026, and are classified under HTSUS subheadings 2804.69.1000 and 2804.69.5000. Customs and Border Protection will assess antidumping duties on unliquidated entries entered for consumption on or after February 9, 2026. Estimated dumping margins are 6.16% for Australia and 2.47% for Norway, and annual inquiry lists will be maintained for industry engagement.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Procedures for Tariff Adjustments on Steel and Aluminum Production Announced
The Department of Commerce has submitted an information collection request to OMB regarding procedures for steel and aluminum producers in Canada and Mexico committing to new U.S. production, allowing possible tariff adjustments under Proclamation 10984. Adjusted tariffs—no lower than 25%—apply to qualifying products supporting vehicles and parts, with modifications possible for aluminum and steel produced in Canada or Mexico. The comment period is open for 30 days following publication, and submissions can be made at www.reginfo.gov. Production commitments are voluntary and reviewed quarterly.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
President Trump’s Trade Agenda Spurs Domestic Auto Production
According to a recent White House statement, Ford will reshore Lincoln model production to the United States, reducing imports from China and creating thousands of jobs. The move aligns with Trump Administration trade policies. Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Trucks, Stellantis, Nissan, Hyundai, and Rolls-Royce are also expanding U.S. manufacturing operations, with investments ranging from $75 million to $4 billion and job creation in multiple states. This trend marks a shift toward domestic production for major automakers.
Sources: www.whitehouse.gov
Cadmium in General Industry Standard: Extension of OMB Information Collection Approval
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a notice requesting public comments on extending OMB approval for information collection under the Cadmium in General Industry Standard (29 CFR 1910.1027). The requirements support worker protection from occupational cadmium exposure, and OSHA is adjusting burden hours and capital costs based on new labor estimates. Comments are accepted until October 20, 2026, via the Federal eRulemaking portal.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
ITC Launches Investigation Into Transformer Imports and Components
The U.S. International Trade Commission has instituted an investigation on the importation of certain transformers and components thereof, following a complaint by Ayr Energy, Inc. Alleged violations include misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition, and trademark infringement. Parties are named from India and the United States, and the scope includes power, inverter duty, and distribution transformers, as well as components such as core steel and windings. Commission responses must be filed within 20 days, and exclusion or cease and desist orders may be issued as a result.
Sources: www.federalregister.gov
Legislative Updates
Lunar Landing Day Act
Bill number 5123, titled 'Lunar Landing Day Act,' falls under the science, technology, and communications policy area. The latest action is that the bill is held at the desk, pending further proceedings.
Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week
- Taiwan is powering the future of industrial manufacturing: Coverage examines Taiwan's evolving role in global manufacturing supply chains.
- Why Tungsten Matters to Industry and Why Finding It Is Only the Beginning: The article discusses the strategic importance of tungsten in industrial applications.
- India set to approve $1.2 billion incentive plan to make building equipment, sources say: Sources report India will soon approve incentives for domestic equipment manufacturing.
- Business split over whether SBTi’s new net-zero standard will boost action or dilute ambition: Examines industry perspectives on new net-zero standards.
- Why Warehouses Are Rolling In More Robots: Reports on increased automation and robotics in warehousing operations.
- PrimeS4 Earns SAP Supply Chain Expert Competency, Expanding Enterprise Transformation Capabilities: PrimeS4 receives SAP supply chain credential, enhancing digital enterprise solutions.
- Canada to impose retaliatory tariffs on US steel, electronics, other products, Carney says: Canada will implement retaliatory tariffs on select U.S. goods from September 8.