September 20, 2026 to September 26, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Revocation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders for Aluminum Can Stock

The Department of Commerce finalized changed circumstances reviews, revoking the antidumping and countervailing duty orders on common alloy aluminum sheet from China, Bahrain, and several other countries in part, specifically excluding aluminum can stock. The exclusion applies retroactively to the date liquidation was suspended. The revised scope descriptions clarify the criteria—thickness, temper, and lubricant application—that qualify aluminum can stock for exemption. Over 85% of the domestic industry, including major trade groups, supported the decision, with no opposition submitted. Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund estimated duties and liquidate unliquidated entries without AD/CVD duties within 15 days of publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Measures to Restrict Stockpiling of Polysilicon Under Proclamation 11052

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a temporary final rule restricting the stockpiling of polysilicon and its derivatives ahead of minimum import price and tariff adjustments, which take effect December 4, 2026, under Proclamation 11052. The rule monitors importers of record for stockpiling activity and imposes quantitative import restrictions for new registrants based on historical data. Waiver applications can be submitted and will be reviewed within 14 days. Regulatory amendments include removing aluminum and steel inclusions provisions in 15 CFR Part 705. Customs brokers are reminded to avoid facilitating potential violations. The rule is effective from September 22, 2026, through December 3, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Preliminary Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determination for Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes from China

Commerce has preliminarily found critical circumstances regarding Chinese imports of large diameter graphite electrodes, citing a 105.43% surge in import volumes between November 2025 and June 2026. The investigation applies adverse facts available to key respondents due to lack of cooperation and identifies countervailable subsidies inconsistent with WTO rules, including export grants and loans. Customs and Border Protection will suspend liquidation of relevant entries retroactively to May 1, 2026, and begin cash deposit requirements based on preliminary subsidy rates. The final determination is scheduled for December 7, 2026, with public input invited via briefs.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Sets New Supply Chain and Regulatory Targets

The G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial concluded in Houston with consensus outcomes on energy access, regulatory efficiency, water resilience, and critical mineral supply chain security. Agreements include promotion of liquefied petroleum gas and regulatory permitting reforms, as well as a Water Reuse Initiative and commitments to cooperative innovation in critical minerals. Secretary Doug Burgum discussed supply chain diversification and Secretary Chris Wright addressed affordable energy's role in prosperity. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the repeal of prior greenhouse gas requirements for power plants, projecting $310 billion in savings. Investment announcements included Hitachi Energy’s new Mississippi facility, Caturus’ LNG export expansion, and Continental Resources’ partnership in Venezuela.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Request for Information on Domestic and Near Shore Essential Medicines Manufacturing

The Office of Management and Budget issued a request for information to identify idle and planned domestic and near shore manufacturing capacity for finished dose forms, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and key starting materials related to the ASPR 86 list of essential medicines. Responses, due by October 26, 2026, will inform federal agencies' acquisition strategies and help reduce reliance on foreign entities of concern. The RFI solicits detailed production, capacity, compliance, and supply chain mapping information from qualified manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and petrochemical sectors. Confidential participation protocols are outlined, and historical federal spend data will be made available.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Join First Phosphate's Live Investor Webinar: Building a North American Supply Chain for LFP Battery-Grade Phosphate: First Phosphate discusses North American battery-grade phosphate supply chain development in a live investor webinar.
• Costs to cool Bangladesh garment factories can be recovered within four years, study shows: A study finds cooling investments in Bangladesh's garment factories pay off in four years through energy savings.
• This Screw Is Needed for Missiles and Planes. Buying One Can Take Years.: Ball screws critical to U.S. defense manufacturing face multi-year procurement delays.
• How jute, Bangladesh’s ‘golden thread’, could replace plastic: Jute fibers from Bangladesh are positioned as a sustainable alternative to plastic in packaging.
• How a Bangladeshi garment-maker is fighting the Middle East energy crunch: A Bangladeshi manufacturer adapts operations to mitigate energy shortages linked to the Middle East.
• Indian recyclers seek government intervention on EU waste ban proposal: Indian recycling groups request government action in response to EU’s proposed waste import restrictions.
• Taiwan breaks ground on advanced packaging park anchored by TSMC: Taiwan launches an advanced semiconductor packaging park, led by TSMC, to support global supply chains.

.