Aid and Comfort

Presidents Trump and Putin meeting in Helsinki, July 2018

President Trump issued an executive order on October 16 implementing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 while waiving its tariff provisions and numerous sanctions and restrictions.

Russian diesel deal challenges congressional sanctions policy and divides allies

The diesel agreement puts the administration’s drive to lower fuel prices before the midterms at odds with Congress’s effort to deny Moscow revenue for its war against Ukraine and Britain’s commitment to maintaining sanctions pressure.

US Sanctions ICC, exempts certain services and technology

The licenses avert an immediate operational shutdown but leave the ICC under sustained U.S. leverage. Routine subscriptions, telecommunications and enterprise software may continue—some indefinitely, others only through April 7, 2027—but vendors must still screen separately sanctioned officials and may withdraw services voluntarily.

DOJ Signals Broader Criminal Exposure in Qui Tam and Trade Fraud Matters

The directive signals that trade-fraud and qui tam matters may no longer remain discrete civil investigations. Allegations involving unpaid duties, false origin claims, undervaluation, misclassification or forced labor may prompt parallel criminal, tax, securities and asset-forfeiture inquiries. Importers and other supply-chain participants should investigate credible allegations promptly, preserve evidence and assess disclosure options before DOJ independently identifies the conduct.

Welcome to Your WTTL

The Washington Tariff and Trade Letter introduces a web-based format for easier review, research and sharing. Clicking on a story in the newsletter will now bring you to the full text on our new web site. A .pdf version of the newsletter is available below. For any questions about website access and your subscription, please contact us at Info@TradeRegs.com – Or call the Editor, Frank Ruffing, at +1.703.283.5220

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Vol 46 No. 42, October 19, 2026

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The latest news

OFAC Rolls Out Trade Secret Sanctions on Chinese Fund

The sanctions bring trade-secret risk directly into investment compliance, requiring banks, fund managers, and technology companies to assess their exposure to the designated MiraclePlus entities.

FMC Proposes Vessel Fees and Spanish Import Restrictions

The Federal Maritime Commission has proposed a $200,000 fee on Spanish-flagged vessels entering U.S. ports and restrictions on selected Spanish exports, escalating a dispute over Spain’s denial of port access to vessels carrying cargo bound for or coming from Israel. The proposal would extend the dispute to U.S. importers of Spanish olive oil, cosmetics, ceramics, and other goods.

More trade & tariff news

China Hawks Seek to Strip COSCO Vessels of Inspection Privileges Over Espionage Allegations

The dispute puts COSCO’s access to reduced U.S. port inspections under scrutiny as lawmakers press the Coast Guard to account for national security risks alongside vessel safety. COSCO has denied the espionage allegations, saying its onboard equipment serves legitimate commercial purposes.

On the calendar

WTO Reform Divisions Persist as Committee Work Records Results

Members remained at odds over non-discrimination, development treatment, and institutional authority, while new reporting documented progress in resolving market access concerns and expanding supply chain finance.

Tariff Relief Bill Would Tie Business Assistance to Domestic Operations

Michigan Republican Rep. John James has proposed using a portion of revenue from tariffs on Canada to assist U.S. businesses that demonstrate tariff-related economic injury.

Canada’s Deemed Ownership Guidance

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) has published guidance on Canada’s sanctions deemed ownership provisions, addressing when a listed person’s control of an unlisted entity can bring that entity’s property within sanctions restrictions. The guidance warrants attention from financial institutions, businesses and counsel assessing counterparties with complex ownership or governance arrangements.

China Proposes Broader Technology Export Controls; Registration Takes Effect Immediately

The proposal would extend China’s technology export controls across three strategic industries, with consequences for overseas licensing, technology transfers and changes in ownership or control. Although the proposed prohibitions and restrictions remain under consultation, the immediate registration requirement means companies must assess pending transactions now, including transfers already underway.

DOJ Seeks $290 Million From Uni-Tile and CEO in Customs Fraud Suit

The Justice Department is seeking approximately $290.4 million in unpaid duties and fraud penalties from Uni-Tile & Marble Inc. and its chief executive officer, Xin Mian Pan, in a civil customs enforcement action that examines their alleged role in imports entered through other companies.

Russian National Extradited from Sweden in Alleged Scheme to Divert U.S. Electronics to Russia Through Hong Kong

A Russian national extradited from Sweden faces federal charges for allegedly using a Hong Kong electronics company to obtain U.S. components for Russian customers, conceal their ultimate destination, and finance purchases through overseas bank accounts.

Venezuela: OFAC Removes Delcy's Brother from SDN List

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control removed Jorge Jesús Rodríguez Gómez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, and brother of Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president, from its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. OFAC also extended General License 60, permitting earthquake relief transactions otherwise prohibited by the Venezuela Sanctions Regulations.

Commerce Defines “U.S. Content,” Leaving Valuation and Documentation Questions for CBP

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has issued guidance defining “U.S. content” for tariff treatment under clause (2)(d) of Proclamation 11032. The guidance concerns products of Canada and Mexico that qualify for preferential treatment under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement. Its practical significance turns on how importers establish and value qualifying U.S. content.