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India Retains Position on U.S. Priority Watch List for IP Concerns

India Retains Position on U.S. Priority Watch List for IP Concerns

The United States has once again placed India on its Priority Watch List due to ongoing concerns about intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. The 2026 Special 301 Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative highlights issues such as inadequate patent protection, enforcement gaps, and insufficient safeguards for trade secrets. Despite some improvements, such as increased examiners and awareness efforts, the report criticizes India's slow progress in addressing these challenges. The report also points out persistent issues like piracy, counterfeiting, and delays in trademark enforcement, which continue to affect U.S. businesses operating in India.
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President Trump Raises Import Duties on EU Cars, Citing Trade Deal Non-Compliance

President Trump Raises Import Duties on EU Cars, Citing Trade Deal Non-Compliance

President Donald Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on cars and lorries imported from the European Union, raising them from 15% to 25%. This decision follows accusations that the EU has not complied with a trade agreement made last summer. The tariffs will not apply to vehicles manufactured in the U.S. by EU companies. The move has been met with criticism from EU officials, who argue that it undermines the partnership between the U.S. and the EU. The European Commission has stated its commitment to the original trade deal and is considering its options to protect EU interests.
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Agriculture Secretary Rollins Attributes SNAP Participation Drop to Fraud and Economy Amid Legislative Changes

Agriculture Secretary Rollins Attributes SNAP Participation Drop to Fraud and Economy Amid Legislative Changes

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has attributed a significant decrease in the number of Americans receiving food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to reduced fraud and an improved economy. However, experts argue that the primary cause of the decline is new legislation that altered the program's requirements. The number of SNAP beneficiaries fell by nearly 4.3 million from January 2025 to January 2026, according to preliminary data from the Agriculture Department. The decrease coincides with the implementation of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (H.R. 1), which introduced stricter work requirements and eligibility criteria. The Congressional Budget Office projects that the bill will cut $186 billion in federal spending on SNAP over ten years. Experts note that fraud within SNAP is minimal and unlikely to account for the significant drop in participation.
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President Trump to Increase Tariffs on EU Autos to 25% Over Trade Deal Compliance Issues

President Trump to Increase Tariffs on EU Autos to 25% Over Trade Deal Compliance Issues

President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase tariffs on European Union cars and trucks to 25%, citing non-compliance with a trade deal established last year. The agreement, known as the Turnberry Agreement, initially set a 15% tariff cap on EU auto imports. The announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling that questioned Trump's authority to impose tariffs under an economic emergency. The EU has expressed its expectation for the U.S. to honor the commitments of the trade deal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive treatment for EU products.
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U.S. Agriculture Eyes Increased Exports to Cuba Amid Private Sector Growth

U.S. Agriculture Eyes Increased Exports to Cuba Amid Private Sector Growth

U.S. Agriculture Eyes Increased Exports to Cuba Amid Private Sector Growth
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President Trump Lifts Tariffs on Scotch Whisky Following Royal Visit

President Trump Lifts Tariffs on Scotch Whisky Following Royal Visit

President Trump Lifts Tariffs on Scotch Whisky Following Royal Visit
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USDA and EXIM Launch Initiative to Boost U.S. Agricultural Exports

USDA and EXIM Launch Initiative to Boost U.S. Agricultural Exports

USDA and EXIM Launch Initiative to Boost U.S. Agricultural Exports
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President Trump to Raise Tariffs on European Cars to 25% Citing Non-Compliance

President Trump to Raise Tariffs on European Cars to 25% Citing Non-Compliance

President Trump to Raise Tariffs on European Cars to 25% Citing Non-Compliance
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Vietnam Faces Intellectual Property Scrutiny Amid U.S. Trade Concerns

Vietnam Faces Intellectual Property Scrutiny Amid U.S. Trade Concerns

Vietnam, a major hub for sneaker production, is under scrutiny for its intellectual property (IP) practices as the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) adds the country to its Priority Foreign Country list in the Special 301 report for 2026. This marks the first time in 13 years that a country has been added to this list. The report evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of U.S. trading partners' IP protection and enforcement. The USTR plans to determine within 30 days whether to initiate an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This move has raised concerns among industry leaders, such as Matt Priest, president of the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, who warns that this could increase costs for American consumers and complicate IP enforcement.
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China has now dropped tariffs on imports from every African country except 1

China has now dropped tariffs on imports from every African country except 1

A China policy giving Africa’s biggest economies tariff-free access to its market for the next two years has come into effect
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USTR Targets Vietnam and EU for Intellectual Property Violations

USTR Targets Vietnam and EU for Intellectual Property Violations

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has identified Vietnam and the European Union (EU) as significant violators of intellectual property (IP) rights in its annual Special 301 report. Vietnam has been designated as a Priority Foreign Country, the highest level of concern, due to widespread counterfeiting and inadequate enforcement of IP laws. The EU has been added to the Watch List for the first time since 2009, primarily due to trade deficits in food and agricultural products and the expansion of geographical indications that disadvantage U.S. producers. The report highlights ongoing issues with IP enforcement in several countries, including Indonesia and Pakistan.
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Trump says he will raise tariffs on EU autos to 25%

Trump says he will raise tariffs on EU autos to 25%

By Susan Heavey and Gram Slattery WASHINGTON, May 1 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he would increase tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25%, saying the bloc had not complied with its trade deal with Washington.