Regulation & Government

Argentine President Javier Milei announced a decree sanctioning companies engaged in oil extraction in the Falkland Islands and plans a naval base in Tierra del Fuego. The move escalates the sovereignty dispute and targets foreign energy firms operating near the islands. Read →

The tracker updated September 2, 2026, confirms Section 232 tariffs up to 100% on unmanned aircraft systems take effect September 3. It also flags the pending Sanctioning Russia Act, which would authorize tariffs up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. Read →

Portugal's minister reported broad EU consensus for new stringent sanctions on Russia. The measures build pressure on Russia's energy sector amid ongoing conflict. Read →

Pending US legislation would let the president impose tariffs up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. The bill expands sanctions policy and raises risks for importers including India. Read →

New US tariffs up to 100% took effect Thursday on drones and components. The duties aim to reduce import reliance in a sector dominated by China. Read →

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the 1.76B RIN exemptions a 'massive WIN-WIN' for farmers and small refineries. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the 100% reallocation commitment as protecting demand for corn and soybeans. Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden highlighted it as upholding record RVOs while aiding refineries. Read →

November soybeans gained 9.25 cents overnight to $12.97¼/bu, hitting multi-year highs on EPA biofuel exemption news and worsening Corn Belt conditions. Good-to-excellent soybean ratings fell to 58%. Corn and wheat futures also advanced amid export and demand support. Read →

President Trump signed a proclamation expanding the tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons over 90 days starting September 1, aiming to ease record-high consumer beef prices. Imports must sell at a 25% discount; the quota opens in monthly tranches. Cattle producers oppose the move, arguing it undermines herd rebuilding efforts. Read →

The U.S. EPA granted full or partial small-refinery exemptions totaling 1.76 billion RINs for the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard year, nearly double its earlier projection of 990 million. Refineries including those owned by Marathon Petroleum and Chevron received relief. The agency will propose reallocating the excess waived volumes into 2026 and 2027 RVOs, shifting obligations to larger refiners. Read →

The Trump administration approved the largest volume of small-refinery biofuel blending exemptions since 2017, covering 1.76 billion RINs. It simultaneously signaled plans to raise future renewable volume obligations to offset the relief and limit damage to corn and soybean demand. The move targets lower gasoline prices amid political pressure ahead of midterms. Read →

EPA finalized decisions on 34 small-refinery exemption petitions, granting full exemptions to 18 and partial to 11, for a total of 1.76 billion RINs. It will extend the 2025 RVO compliance deadline by 30 days to October 1, 2026, and propose shifting the difference from prior estimates into 2026-2027 obligations. The actions follow consultation with the Department of Energy. Read →

President Trump signed a proclamation increasing the U.S. tariff-rate quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for 90 days starting September 1, 2026, administered in 100,000-ton monthly tranches. Imports must sell at a 25% discount and apply only to trimmings for ground beef. The temporary relief addresses record-high domestic beef prices from low cattle supplies. Read →

Trump signed a proclamation to temporarily raise the in-quota volume for imported lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons over 90 days from September 1. The measure targets high consumer beef prices caused by a 75-year low in U.S. cattle supplies from drought and wildfires. Farm groups oppose the step, warning it undermines domestic ranchers. Read →

US Treasury expanded sanctions authority under EO 13902 to cover aviation, digital assets, gold, shipping and technology sectors of Iran's economy. The move broadens secondary sanctions risk for foreign firms dealing with Iran-linked entities in those areas and requires rescreening of counterparties. It heightens compliance burdens for commodity traders and shippers handling Iranian oil or related payments. Read →

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised wheat and durum wheat export policy from prohibited to free. The change also applies to wheat flour products like atta and maida. It boosts farmer incomes amid record domestic production and depressed local prices while adding global wheat supply. Read →

The US imposed 50% Section 338 tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods including alcoholic beverages, dairy products, motor vehicles and related items effective August 22 after negotiations broke down. The duties, the first use of this authority in this context, exclude key energy exports such as oil and natural gas as well as critical minerals and potash. Canada responded by suspending talks and pledging dollar-for-dollar retaliation. Read →

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, describing it as the single greatest financial offensive against Iran, with new sanctions on over 60 entities, individuals and vessels plus sectoral sanctions determinations targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. The measures aim to sever Iran's remaining economic lifelines including oil revenue and broaden secondary sanctions risks for third parties. Actions follow earlier US sanctions and occur amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets. Read →

The US imposed new Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners and the EU, replacing a lapsed 10% global tariff, citing failure to enforce forced labor import bans. Exemptions cover oil, gas, fertilizer, certain foods and items already subject to Section 232 duties. The duties took effect July 24 and prompted lawsuits and international pushback. Read →

President Trump issued a proclamation under Section 232 imposing minimum import prices of $21/kg for polysilicon, $100/kg for ingots/wafer, $0.22/watt for solar cells and $0.38/watt for modules effective December 4, plus an additional 15% ad valorem tariff on specified derivatives. The measures seek to protect US national security by supporting domestic production of polysilicon critical to semiconductors and solar supply chains. Read →

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne released a 99-page list of US imports facing 15-50% duties from September 8, including steel, dairy and agricultural equipment. The response follows US 50% tariffs on Canadian products that took effect after negotiations failed. Analysts called it a proportionate but uncertainty-creating move. Read →

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised wheat and durum wheat export policy from prohibited to free, also covering flour products like atta, maida and semolina. The change follows record 120.6 million tonne production and aims to support farmers amid low domestic prices. It could ease global wheat supplies strained by Black Sea disruptions. Read →

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, sanctioning over 60 entities, individuals and vessels tied to Iranian oil revenue, nuclear technology and cyber operations. New sectoral sanctions target digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping to tighten secondary sanctions risk. The campaign aims to sever Iran's global financial lifelines. Read →

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, imposing sectoral sanctions determinations on digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping to target Iran's revenue sources. OFAC sanctioned nearly 60 entities, individuals, and vessels involved in oil smuggling, nuclear procurement, and cyber operations. The moves expand secondary sanctions risk for foreign partners and suspend certain general licenses to tighten the economic noose on Tehran. Read →

Canada announced dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs of 15%, 25%, and 50% on about 700 US products worth $20 billion annually, effective September 8, targeting steel, aluminum, dairy, appliances, and electronics. The measures respond to US 50% Section 338 tariffs on Canadian goods that took effect August 22 after trade talks collapsed. Ottawa also unveiled a C$7.5 billion support package for affected businesses and workers. Read →

India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised the export policy for wheat, durum wheat, and products like atta, maida, and semolina from prohibited to free with immediate effect. The move follows record 2025-26 production of 120.65 million tonnes and aims to boost farmer incomes as domestic prices remain depressed at around ₹31.46 per kg. Adequate buffer stocks ensure no supply risk to consumers. Read →

Iran condemned the expanded US sanctions as gross lawlessness and expressed confidence that many countries would not join the pressure campaign. Tehran discussed a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman while the US warned of timelines for partners to cut ties or face secondary sanctions. No major Chinese financial institutions were designated in the latest round. Read →

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, sanctioning over 60 entities, individuals and vessels tied to Iranian oil revenue, nuclear technology and cyber operations. The campaign expands secondary sanctions risks in digital assets, gold, aviation, shipping and technology sectors. It targets enablers to cut Iran's remaining revenue sources amid the war and blockade. Read →

The US and Canada failed to finalize a trade deal, triggering 50% Section 338 tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods including wine, dairy and autos. Prime Minister Mark Carney vowed immediate dollar-for-dollar retaliation targeting steel, dairy and electronics effective Sept. 8. The duties do not exempt USMCA-compliant products. Read →

House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party members urged USDA and USTR action, citing China's export controls and purchases of sulfur for fertilizer that worsened US farm supply chain issues. They highlighted PRC strategic intervention in global commodity markets creating vulnerabilities. The letter calls for a coordinated fertilizer supply security strategy. Read →

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada will impose reciprocal tariffs on US steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. The measures target roughly the same value as US duties and take effect after Labor Day. Talks collapsed over last-minute US demands. Read →

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will detail sweeping new sanctions on Iran at a Monday press conference, building on threats of 'toughest sanctions in history' against oil buyers and facilitators. Iran warned of a 'devastating' response and potential export halt. The measures target secondary sanctions and aim to isolate Tehran's energy revenues. Read →

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US will impose the toughest sanctions in history on Iran, pairing them with the existing blockade to pressure Tehran. Details will come Monday; the move aims to collapse the regime and reduce need for military action. China, Iran's top oil buyer, rejected unilateral sanctions. Read →

President Trump warned of economic consequences for any country providing lifelines to Iran, targeting trading partners including China, UAE, Turkey, Iraq and others. China buys over 80% of Iran's shipped oil; new measures could pressure its teapot refiners and banks. Iraq faces challenges paying for Iranian natural gas under tighter sanctions. Read →

The US Department of Energy awarded $500 million in grants to seven companies for domestic lithium, cobalt and battery projects. The funding supports Trump's goal of making the US the minerals superpower and reducing reliance on China. Projects target the battery ecosystem and critical minerals supply chain. Read →

The EPA will end the summer blend gasoline requirement early to increase supply and lower prices amid high fuel costs. The change allows more conventional gasoline blending sooner than usual. It responds to price spikes linked to the Iran conflict and aims to ease pressure on consumers. Read →

President Trump signed three Section 338 proclamations July 20 imposing 50% tariffs on listed Canadian products including dairy, alcoholic beverages and motor vehicles in response to alleged discriminatory Canadian practices. The duties apply even to some USMCA-compliant goods but exempt energy, potash, critical minerals, fish and Section 232-covered items. The measures create new trade frictions for Canadian agricultural and manufactured exports while shielding US energy and mineral supply chains. Read →

The Department of Commerce added 407 derivative product categories to Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs, subjecting the metal content of items such as wind turbines, mobile cranes, bulldozers, railcars, furniture and pumps to 50% duties. The expansion targets circumvention and supports domestic steel and aluminum industries. Broader derivative coverage raises costs for downstream equipment and infrastructure sectors reliant on imported components. Read →

The CFTC resolved enforcement actions against former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison and FTX co-founder Gary Wang, imposing five-year trading bans and longer registration bans backdated to 2022 with no additional fines due to prior assistance and forfeiture. The resolutions close key chapters in the FTX collapse investigations. They underscore ongoing regulatory scrutiny of commodity derivatives trading platforms and enforcement priorities. Read →

The updated tracker records the August 19 effective date for 50% Section 338 tariffs on specified Canadian goods and outlines provisions in the pending Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 that could authorize up to 500% tariffs on imports from countries buying Russian oil, natural gas or uranium. Exemptions persist for energy and critical minerals in the Canadian action. The developments layer additional trade and sanctions risks onto global energy and commodity flows. Read →

UK officials signaled openness to revisiting the digital services tax following US Trade Representative warnings of 100% tariffs if the levy on US tech firms is not addressed. The move responds to explicit threats tied to broader trade negotiations. Any resolution could ease tensions affecting technology supply chains and related commodity demand while highlighting reciprocal tariff leverage in services and digital sectors. Read →

President Trump announced a three-day pause on 50% tariffs set to hit billions in Canadian imports at midnight, citing a tentative deal subject to document finalization. The levies targeted goods like dairy, alcohol and vehicles regardless of USMCA status. The move eases immediate pressure on cross-border commodity and energy-related trade flows while talks continue. Read →

Trump halted new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods hours before they took effect, announcing a deal on Truth Social. Canadian PM Mark Carney noted substantial progress but said important work remains on issues including dairy, alcohol and autos. Negotiators discussed market access, economic security and possible Keystone XL revival amid broader USMCA tensions. Read →

President Trump paused 50% tariffs scheduled for certain Canadian goods, set to affect about 5% of exports to the US. The action followed late-night social media announcement of a deal while negotiations continue. The pause prevents immediate escalation in a dispute involving dairy, beverages and vehicles. Read →

The CFTC published a proposed rulemaking amending Part 4 regulations to ease registration for commodity pool operators and trading advisors. Changes include an exemption for certain SEC-registered advisers serving sophisticated investors and an inflation-adjusted increase to the small-pool exemption threshold. The agency aims to reduce duplicative rules while maintaining market integrity; comments due in 45 days. Read →

President Trump invoked Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act to impose 50% duties starting Wednesday on nearly $20 billion of Canadian imports including wine, furniture, dairy, cement and hockey equipment. Negotiators remain far apart on autos and other issues ahead of the deadline, despite talks between Trump and Prime Minister Carney. The duties bypass USMCA preferences and risk job losses in affected sectors. Read →

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration will announce measures within days after meeting refiners Monday to increase fuel output and lower gasoline prices above $4.06 per gallon. US refineries run at record highs while Middle East capacity is curtailed. Wright noted sanctions and the Hormuz embargo give Trump latitude for a long game with Iran. Read →

President Trump and Prime Minister Carney spoke by phone as negotiators battle over auto tariffs ahead of Wednesday's 50% duties on Canadian goods. Talks seek to avert the tariffs on items like milk, beer and plywood while addressing broader barriers. Auto rules on content deductions remain a key sticking point. Read →

Negotiators discussed reducing tariffs on Canadian vehicles to 15% after value-content deductions, with a Wednesday deadline for broader 50% duties. The US seeks deductions only for US-specific content while Canada pushes for all North American content. Auto tariffs are a major sticking point alongside dairy and alcohol issues. Read →

President Trump vowed Friday to impose economic measures on Iran never seen before as soon as next week. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previewed the steps one day earlier. The actions follow a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and target the oil trade that funds Tehran's war effort, with potential measures including sanctions on Chinese teapot refiners and banks. Read →

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by 86-11. The bill imposes new sanctions on Russian officials and authorizes tariffs on China, India and others buying Russian oil and gas. It advances to the House and includes provisions that could grant the president new tariff powers against countries aiding Iran. Read →

The U.S. issued four 2026 proclamations offering tariff relief under Section 232 in exchange for corporate commitments. Recent actions include tariffs on unmanned aircraft systems and components, plus BIS restrictions on exports of black mass and tungsten waste and scrap. These measures expand national security-based trade controls on metals and critical materials. Read →

The EU ban on public funding for utility-scale solar inverters from high-risk countries including China shifts demand to European makers like SMA Solar. CEO Jürgen Reinert said it could give SMA about 10% share in the EU utility-scale market, affecting at least 14 GW of projects. Chinese firms had supplied roughly 70% of Europe's inverters in recent years. Read →

Urenco CEO Boris Schucht said lack of EU clarity on banning Russian nuclear fuel is holding back European uranium enrichment investments. Russia still supplies 23% of EU enrichment services despite vows to phase out Russian energy. A US 2028 ban could redirect Russian material to Europe if the EU does not act. Read →

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the legislature's failure to advance a tax change for the $50 billion Alaska LNG project a negative signal to investors. The bill stalled without enough votes; Dunleavy urged a special session on Aug. 20. The project aims to export up to 20 million tons per year of LNG starting in 2031. Read →

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Christopher Coons sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent questioning the 17-month pause in routine sanctions targeting entities helping Russia evade existing restrictions. The last major US sanctions on Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil occurred in October 2025. The pause comes despite stalled peace talks with Ukraine and could reduce pressure on Russian energy exports. Read →

Northern Cables and other Canadian manufacturers supplying the US market are considering relocating production south ahead of 50% tariffs scheduled for August 19 on goods including electric cable. The tariffs, imposed under Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act, target about $20 billion in Canadian imports and exempt energy and certain critical minerals. Relocation aims to avoid duties that threaten business viability for firms with heavy US exposure. Read →

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro stated President Trump and PM Modi will resolve US tariff threats on India's Russian oil purchases. The comments follow the US Senate's passage of a bill authorizing up to 100% tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas. The measure targets nations whose purchases fund Russia's war efforts, directly pressuring major importers like India and China on crude and natural gas flows. Read →

Peter Navarro downplayed tensions, noting the leaders' strong relationship will handle the issue stemming from Senate legislation. The bipartisan Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 passed 86-11 and grants the president authority for secondary tariffs up to 100% on imports from top Russian energy buyers. It also adds sanctions on Russian entities and tankers to curb war funding via oil and gas revenues. Read →

The CFTC exercised emergency authority under the Commodity Exchange Act after New York Attorney General Letitia James sued KalshiEX, LLC seeking to halt event contracts nationwide and $36 billion in damages. The order directs the exchange to continue operating per core principles amid the state court challenge. Chairman Michael S. Selig emphasized federal preemption over state gaming laws for interstate derivatives markets. Read →

The CFTC invoked emergency powers to keep Kalshi serving customers despite New York's lawsuit aiming to shut down its event contract offerings. The federal regulator cited the need to maintain uniform national derivatives markets and public confidence in price discovery. The action follows Kalshi's notification of a market emergency tied to the state complaint filed July 31. Read →

The Democratic Republic of Congo banned exports of copper and cobalt concentrates effective immediately per a June 29 order by three ministers. The policy aims to force domestic processing and retain more value from its mineral resources as the world's top cobalt producer and No. 2 copper supplier. One-year waivers may apply in strategic cases, tightening supply for global battery and electronics markets. Read →

President Donald Trump extended the Jones Act waiver for 90 days to allow foreign-flagged ships to carry oil, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other commodities between U.S. ports. New rules require case-by-case voyage approvals after domestic shipbuilders pushed back. The move addresses shipping bottlenecks from the Iran conflict to stabilize energy prices. Read →

The Caroline Bezengi tanker, loaded with nearly 1 million barrels of Russian crude and under EU, UK and other sanctions, grounded off Oman's Hallaniyat Islands nature reserve. The resulting oil slick spans about 390 square km with no response vessels observed. The incident highlights risks in the shadow fleet evading sanctions. Read →

New York State's $30 million Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program offers direct payments of $1,000 to $25,000 to eligible dairy, livestock, specialty crop and aquaculture producers hit by federal tariffs. Applications close Tuesday, Aug 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Read →

The US Senate voted 86-11 on Friday to pass the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sanctioning Russian officials and authorizing the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, including China and India. The measure, long delayed, now heads to the House and aims to cut revenue funding Russia's war in Ukraine by pressuring major energy buyers. It also expands sanctions on Iran. Read →

President Trump issued a Section 232 proclamation imposing a 15% tariff and minimum import prices on polysilicon and derivatives used in solar panels and semiconductors, primarily targeting Chinese supply chains. The measures, effective December 4, include price floors such as $21/kg for polysilicon and support domestic US production at facilities like Hemlock and Wacker. US solar and chip manufacturers welcomed the move as bolstering national security and investment. Read →

President Trump announced $3 billion in US government-backed critical minerals and battery projects at a meeting with mining executives to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains. The package includes a $1.4 billion Defense Department loan to Sila Nanotechnologies and funding for scandium and rare-earth projects. The initiative targets domestic production of materials essential for defense, EVs, and advanced tech. Read →