Top Stories: De Minimis Concerns

Lawmaker: Import De Minimis for China Could End Soon

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) says he thinks the $800 de minimis threshold rule for goods imported from China could change before the end of the year. On a recent podcast for the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), Rep. Blumenauer said bipartisan momentum has grown for passing the bill he helped introduce last month, the Import Security and Fairness Act (S.2004). The Congressman says de minimis “disadvantages American-made products and American businesses.” Listen to the AAM Manufacturing Report podcast

AAEI, CBP Meet on Next-Gen Customs Recommendations

AAEI leaders held a virtual meetings today with officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to discuss AAEI’s recommendations for Next Generation Customs. The discussion included AAEI’s position on Codifying the Border Interagency Executive Council (BIEC) and One U.S. Government at the Border (1USG). CBP agreed that that the U.S. needs to move towards 1USG and a common risk management approach at the border. AAEI also discussed the Association’s position on Export Modernization and the need for the export regulations to be published as soon as possible. Much of today’s discussion involved AAEI’s members’ challenges complying with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). Many importers have submitted UFLPA supply chain information to CBP, received a failure to comply notice, but CBP has not communicated why the information that was submitted was inadequate. CBP noted that parts of the agency may be slow in developing feedback procedures. AAEI will hold a Customs Committee meeting next week to discuss details of today’s meeting. Participation in AAEI’s Customs Committee is restricted to AAEI members. Not yet a member of AAEI? Click here.

US and Allies Challenge Chinese Mineral Export Controls

The US, along with key allies such as the EU, Japan, and Canada, is criticizing China’s new export restrictions on gallium and germanium, two critical minerals used in computer chips. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed concerns over these controls, emphasizing the need for fair competition and a level playing field. The issue was raised at a World Trade Organization meeting, where Switzerland also voiced worries about the impact on global supply chains. Read Secretary Yellen’s statements.

AAEI Testifies at Green Trade Forum

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP’s) Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller delivered the keynote speech at this week’s Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum in Washington, DC. AAEI testified at the event designed to solicit and share ideas related to green trade innovation and incentivization of clean and sustainable supply chains. CBP says its Green Trade Strategy builds resilience and addresses environmental and climate-related threats, while capitalizing on opportunities to grow the economy and accelerate innovation in a sustainable way. Read more about CBP’s Green Trade Strategy.