NEWS

On July 15, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a final 25% tariff on some imports from Brazil.

On July 14, federal agencies published a final rule rescinding their longstanding regulatory definition of "harm" under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As a result, forest management, grazing, and infrastructure projects that only affect habitat may face fewer ESA-related consultations.

PHOTO © CLAUDIO BERNSTEIN, USFS

In less than one year, the new Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security recovered more than $1 billion, including civil and criminal penalties and fees. This milestone reflects a fundamental shift in the federal government's approach to customs and trade enforcement, which emphasizes rigorous criminal prosecution and civil enforcement under the False Claims Act.

On July 17, DHA and more than 70 allied organizations sent a letter to EPA, OSHA, and OMB urging the agencies to work jointly, using the authority provided under Section 9 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), to ensure a single, consistent federal regulatory framework governing worker safety. Under the previous administration, EPA had proposed worker exposure thresholds for formaldehyde that are dramatically lower than OSHA requirements.

On July 20, President Trump announced new 50% duties on Canadian goods, effective August 19. These tariffs appear to apply to hardwood plywood, among other goods. DHA will continue to review the exemptions and provide updates as needed.