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: 2026-02-15 to 2026-02-21

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Armed Services Subcommittee Hearing: Modernization of the Organic Industrial Base: The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces will hold a hearing on February 24, 2026, focused on the modernization of the organic industrial base. Witnesses include Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army, and Lieutenant General Chris Mohan, Army Materiel Command, in Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2118.
• House Rules Committee Meeting: Energy and Appliance Legislation: The House Rules Committee will meet on February 23, 2026, in Capitol H-313 to discuss H.R. 4758 (Homeowner Energy Freedom Act) and H.R. 4626 (Home Appliance Protection and Affordability Act).

Federal Government News

Trump Administration Orders Protection of Domestic Supply Chains for Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to secure domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, assigning authority to the Secretary of Agriculture. The order allows federal intervention in contracts, resource allocation, and regulatory actions to maintain supply chains vital for defense and agricultural sectors. Elemental phosphorus is indicated as essential for semiconductors, weapon systems, and batteries, while glyphosate-based herbicides address food security concerns. With only one domestic producer for both, the Administration noted risks posed by import reliance. The executive order enables federal agencies to prioritize contracts and issue regulations to ensure ongoing supply, including immunity and compliance mechanisms for domestic producers. Implementation will be coordinated with current appropriations and laws, with publication costs managed by USDA.

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

Trump Administration Finalizes U.S.-Indonesia Trade Agreement

The White House confirmed a trade deal with Indonesia on February 20, which includes tariff eliminations on more than 99% of U.S. exports and addresses non-tariff barriers for U.S. manufacturing and agricultural goods. Indonesia will join the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity and implement forced labor import bans. $33 billion in commercial agreements were announced, with $15 billion directed to U.S. energy purchases, $13.5 billion to aviation, and $4.5 billion for agricultural products. Freeport-McMoRan's operations in Indonesia's Grasberg mine are set to expand, anticipating $10 billion in annual revenue. The U.S. maintains reciprocal tariffs at 19% for most Indonesian imports, with select exemptions. The agreement aims to reduce the bilateral trade deficit and includes commitments on supply chain resilience and fair market access.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FDA Opens Public Comment on Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Designation Program and GMP Requirements

The FDA announced a 60-day public comment period for its information collection initiatives on Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) for finished pharmaceuticals and the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) Designation Program. The program, run by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, supports statutory mandates to ensure drug safety and regulatory compliance, including recognition of voluntary consensus standards. Estimated annual administrative burden excludes medical gas requirements, accounting for 1,300,319 record submissions and 890,455 hours. Stakeholders can submit electronic or written comments by April 21, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Initiates Administrative Reviews for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders

Commerce initiated new administrative reviews for a range of antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders with December anniversary dates. The review process relies on U.S. Customs and Border Protection data and requests for quantity and value questionnaires to select respondents. Specific guidance was issued relating to company collapsing, certification eligibility, and deadlines for PMS allegations. Firms seeking separate rate status in non-market economy proceedings must submit the required certification or application within 14 days of the notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

ITC Solicits Public Interests Comments on Potential NAND and DRAM Memory Chip Import Remedies

The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a notice regarding a complaint alleging violations of Section 337 under the Tariff Act of 1930 for certain imported NAND and DRAM memory chips. Respondents named include KIOXIA Holdings, SK hynix, and several affiliate entities. Public comments are invited to address potential impacts on U.S. health, welfare, and competitive conditions should remedies such as exclusion orders and cease-and-desist orders be granted. Submissions must be electronically filed within eight days of publication.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

Bill 1501, titled the Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025, was introduced in the House and most recently referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill addresses energy and domestic mining policy.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• What is in the EU's draft 'made in Europe' law?: Reuters details provisions targeting domestic manufacturing standards in the European Union.
• Trump rescinding rule incentivizing EV production so automakers meet fuel economy requirements: The White House will reverse incentives for automakers producing electric vehicles to satisfy fuel economy requirements.
• Industrial Production Increased in January: Wall Street Journal reports that industrial production rose in January, supported by manufacturing output.

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