August 23, 2026 to August 29, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades: The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense will hold a hearing on September 4, 2026, at College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA, to examine industrial base and workforce development for skilled trades.
• Reliable Water in the Digital Age: Examining Legislation to Strengthen Drinking Water Systems and Protect Ratepayers: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment is scheduled for a meeting on September 3, 2026, in Rayburn 2123, focused on legislation for drinking water infrastructure.
• “Fueling the Golden Age: Future Resource Needs and Small Business Opportunity.”: On September 2, 2026, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Supply Chains will hold a hearing in Rayburn 2360 examining resource needs and opportunities for small businesses.
• Markup of Twelve Pieces of Legislation: The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade will meet September 1, 2026, in Rayburn 2125 to mark up twelve legislative proposals.

Federal Government News

White House Declares National Emergency to Secure Bulk-Power System

On August 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14420, declaring a national emergency concerning the security of the U.S. bulk-power system. The order prohibits or conditions transactions for foreign-produced bulk-power system electric equipment deemed a risk to critical infrastructure, national security, or the economy. The Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other agencies, is charged with identifying vulnerable equipment, developing mitigation measures, and establishing pre-qualified vendor criteria. This action mandates revisions to federal procurement policies to favor U.S.-manufactured energy infrastructure and requires agencies to replace high-risk equipment as identified. The order also includes definitions for bulk-power system components and directs the Secretary to implement reporting protocols to Congress.

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

USITC Schedules Expedited Five-Year Reviews for Certain Steel Nails

On August 28, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission announced scheduling for expedited five-year reviews of antidumping and countervailing duty orders on certain steel nails from Malaysia, Oman, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The reviews seek to determine whether revocation of these orders would likely result in the continuation or recurrence of material injury. Written comments from interested parties are due by November 6, 2026, or three business days after Department of Commerce’s final results if extended. The Commission’s staff report will be released to participants on October 30, with a public version following.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EIA Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey Extension Notice

The U.S. Energy Information Administration is inviting public comment by October 27, 2026, on the proposed three-year extension, without changes, of Form EIA-846 Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey Report. This quadrennial survey collects data on energy consumption, expenditures, and building characteristics in the manufacturing sector, limited to NAICS codes 31-33. The survey will support the update of industrial energy consumption benchmarks and greenhouse gases data series. Respondents, estimated at 15,000 annually, will primarily utilize an electronic submission format.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIST MEP Client Impact Survey OMB Submission and Comment Period

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval of the NIST MEP Client Impact Survey. This annual survey of approximately 14,500 manufacturing clients aims to collect data on business performance following technical assistance from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network. The survey will evaluate sales, costs, investments, employment, and competitiveness challenges. Comments are due by October 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Initiates Section 337 Investigation on Secondary Cylindrical Batteries

On August 24, 2026, the U.S. International Trade Commission instituted Investigation No. 337-TA-1518 in response to a complaint from LG Energy Solution Ltd. (Korea) and LG Energy Solution Arizona Inc. The complaint alleges infringement of multiple U.S. patents related to secondary (rechargeable) cylindrical batteries and associated products, seeking a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders against named respondents in China, Japan, Germany, and the United States. Respondent responses to the complaint are due 20 days after service, with potential exclusion or cease and desist orders as remedies.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• GM union deal would invest C$1.1 bln in Canada auto factories amid US tariff pressure: General Motors’ tentative agreement with Canadian workers includes C$1.1 billion for plant upgrades as US-Canada tariff disputes continue.
• Canada Hits Back at U.S. With Tariffs Targeting Midterm Hot Spots: Canada imposes tariffs on U.S. metals, food, and motorcycles in response to U.S. trade measures.
• Opinion | The Metals Lobby’s Big Steal: Analysis of North American steel and aluminum tariffs and the resulting political and economic debates.
• One of the world's hottest industries is sparking a blue-collar jobs boom: Blue-collar jobs surge in sectors tied to high-demand industries, with manufacturing among the contributors.
• Vietnam’s Factories Thrive Amid Trade Upheaval: Vietnam’s manufacturing sector expands as trade dynamics shift amid global disruptions.
• Europe stitches together plan to close the loop in the fashion industry: European regulators advance plans for circular economy practices in textiles and fashion.
• WSJ Opinion: The Path to Zero: WSJ panel discusses industry, policy, and business efforts toward zero-emission manufacturing.

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