An update from Washington with James Ransdell

The U.S. trade landscape is evolving rapidly, making it increasingly challenging for companies to anticipate and prepare for future tariff measures. European businesses are currently facing a combination of sector-specific tariffs under Section 232, including those affecting steel and aluminum products and their derivatives, as well as newly announced tariffs linked to forced labor investigations under Section 301.

Join us for an exclusive webinar with James Ransdell, Trade & Customs Partner at Cassidy Levy Kent, who will provide an update on recent U.S. tariff developments and discuss what companies can expect from the U.S. administration during the coming months.

James will also share his perspectives on emerging trends in U.S. trade policy and offer practical recommendations for companies with global supply chains seeking to navigate an increasingly complex international trade environment.

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New Forced Labor Tariffs Under Section 301

In July, the U.S. administration announced new Section 301 tariffs following its investigation into forced labor practices. Sixty economies were included in the scope of the investigation, and most products of the European Union became subject to an additional 10% tariff, inclusive of the MFN tariff rate.

The administration has justified these measures on the basis that existing EU forced labor regulations are considered ineffectively enforced. The measures are already being challenged in court.

During the webinar, James will:

• Explain Section 301 investigations.
• Discuss the legal rationale behind the measures.
• Assess the likelihood of the EU challenging the new forced labour tariffs.
• Describe the process by which the U.S. administration could alter these tariffs.

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Ongoing Section 301 Investigation on Overcapacity and Additional Section 232 Measures

Another important investigation currently underway concerns Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors, in which the EU is also under scrutiny. Additional investigations pursuant to Sections 232 are also pending or have been proposed.

James will provide the latest insights into this investigation and discuss its potential implications for European exporters.

Under the Turnberry Agreement, the EU and the United States agreed on a tariff ceiling of 15% for most EU exports. But could that ceiling come under pressure if the overcapacity investigation leads to new tariff measures?

This session will examine:

• The current status of the 301 overcapacity investigation and additional 232 measures likely to come.
• Potential outcomes and risks for European industries.
• How future tariff actions could affect transatlantic trade relations.

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Emerging Trends in U.S. Trade Policy

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that the administration’s IEEPA tariff regime was unlawful, the U.S. government has increasingly turned to alternative trade policy instruments.

James will discuss how the administration’s trade agenda is evolving and highlight the growing use of new policy tools, including the proposed minimum price mechanism for imports of critical minerals. This initiative is primarily aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains and may involve cooperation with allies such as the European Union.

Topics will include:

• Key developments in U.S. trade policy.
• New trade instruments being considered by the administration.
• Potential additional measures targeting China.
• Practical implications for European companies operating global supply chains and serving the U.S. market.

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Feel free to share this invitation with colleagues who may be interested in these developments.

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About the Speaker