ITC Finds Strawberry Imports from Mexico Harming US
On March 12, 2026, the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) determined that imports of fresh winter strawberries from Mexico, under Harmonized Tariff Schedule 0810.10.40, are injuring the U.S. domestic industry. The ITC will issue a further update announcing the final phase of the investigation via a scheduling notice published in the Federal Register. Interested parties who have not yet filed an appearance may do so after publication of the notice of commencement of the final phase of this investigation.
OFAC Issues General License Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products
On March 12, 2026, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) issued General License 134 authorizing all transactions “ordinarily incident and necessary to the sale, delivery, or loading of crude oil or petroleum products of Russian Federation origin loaded on any vessel, including vessels blocked…on or before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, March 12, 2026…through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 11, 2026.”
According to GL 134, transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary include:
- Transactions for the safe docking and anchoring of vessels carrying crude oil or petroleum products;
- Preservation of health and safety of the crew of such vessels;
- Emergency repairs or environmental mitigation or protection activities related to any such vessels; and
- Services such as vessel management, crewing, bunkering, piloting, registration, flagging, insurance, classification, and salvage.
The GL also specifies that the Russian Federation-origin crude oil and petroleum products include those products produced by entities sanctioned under the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations (31 C.F.R. part 587) or the Ukraine/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations (31 C.F.R. part 589)