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.

Dates: 2026-02-08 to 2026-02-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

PHMSA Issues Major NPRM to Harmonize the Hazardous Materials Regulations With International Standards

On February 10, 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a comprehensive proposed rule to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) in order to align with the latest international transportation standards. This NPRM would update references to key standards, including the ICAO Technical Instructions (2025-2026 edition), IMDG Code (Amendment 42-24), and the 23rd edition of the UN Model Regulations. Notable proposals include expanding authorized limited quantity volumes for compressed gases, new provisions for sodium ion batteries, specific packaging requirements for gallium in manufactured articles, and revised hazard classification for tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The rule would also address technical and vessel stowage code updates for various chemical products. PHMSA estimates an annualized net cost savings of up to $1.12 million for industry and is seeking comment by April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. Department of Commerce Finalizes Affirmative Antidumping Determination for Float Glass Products from Malaysia

Commerce determined that float glass products from Malaysia were sold in the United States at less than fair value during the period October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. Final dumping margins were set at 8.78% for Jinjing Technology Malaysia, 31.55% for NSG (Malaysian Sheet Glass), and 8.78% for all others. Xinyi Energy Smart Malaysia received a 0% margin and is excluded from any future antidumping duty order. The investigation scope applies to soda-lime-silica float glass with specified characteristics and certain exclusions. Suspension of liquidation continues, pending an International Trade Commission injury determination.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Float Glass Products From China: Commerce Finalizes Significant Antidumping Duties

Commerce issued a final affirmative determination that float glass products from China were sold at less than fair value from April 1, 2024, through September 30, 2024. The China-wide entity received a rate of 181.54%, and separate rates for eligible exporters ranged from 151.29% to 181.54%. The scope covers soda-lime-silica float glass, with several named exclusions. Suspension of liquidation applies to entries on or after July 15, 2025. The final injury determination by the ITC will dictate whether an antidumping duty order is issued.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. and North Macedonia Announce Framework for Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

On February 12, 2026, the United States and North Macedonia signed a joint statement outlining a framework for reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade. North Macedonia will eliminate duties on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, while the U.S. maintains a 15% tariff on North Macedonian products with possible adjustments. The framework includes provisions on supply chain resilience, investment, digital trade without new digital service taxes, and strong environmental and IP protections. Both countries intend to finalize and implement the agreement.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

BIS Seeks Feedback on DPAS Information Collection for Industrial Resource Priorities

On February 10, 2026, the BIS published a notice seeking comment on a new information collection related to the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS). This collection supports DOC's administration of priorities and allocations authorities under the Defense Production Act, especially in light of the July 2025 Presidential proclamation regarding domestic copper products. BIS estimates 500 respondents annually and 9,000 total burden hours. Comments are due by April 13, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 755 – Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act, advancing in the House, is focused on energy and critical minerals. It was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute (amended) by unanimous consent.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 1043 – La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act

The La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act addresses solar project development on public lands and related employment issues. Senator Lee filed the written committee report (No. 119-109) in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• National Gear Repair, Inc. Addresses Critical Industrial Gear Manufacturing Needs Amid Supply Chain Challenges: National Gear Repair, Inc. discusses meeting gearbox manufacturing demand amid ongoing supply chain disruptions.
• From Fishing Nets to Furniture: Turning Ocean Plastic Into Usable Products - The New York Times: Gravity Wave turns retrieved marine plastic into marketable furniture items, illustrating new approaches to ocean waste.
• This mineral makes your life run – and now it’s a trade issue: Rare earth elements become a strategic trade issue for electronics and manufacturing supply chains.
• Trump plans to roll back some tariffs on steel and aluminum goods, FT reports: The Financial Times reports on possible plans by former President Trump to reduce certain steel and aluminum tariffs.
• This company is sending a factory into space to make materials for semiconductors: Space Forge launches a space-based factory to produce advanced materials for semiconductor applications.
• Manufacturing Update - 9 January 2026: The Wall Street Journal provides an update on U.S. manufacturing performance and the effects of existing tariffs.
• Industry Pushes for Automatic Post-Inspection Meetings and Faster FDA Response Times: Industry advocates seek structured post-inspection meetings and more timely FDA responses to inspection findings.

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