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

Read the PDF version

Vol 46 No. 42, October 19, 2026

View this issue

Browse other issues

The latest news

LNG tanker anchored in islet of Revithoussa equipped with tanks for storage, Salamina, Greece.

Treasury Targets Law Firm and Maritime Network Supporting Iranian Trade

The U.S. Treasury Department on October 21 sanctioned law firm Karnakis and Karnakis , five associated individuals, a cargo fleet operator, and two shipping agents. OFAC also identified nine vessels as blocked property and issued two limited Iran-related general licenses.

More trade & tariff news

DHS DeepSeek Removal Order Extends to Third-Party AI Products, Raising Supplier Due Diligence Questions

The Department of Homeland Security has published an order excluding DeepSeek products from federal civilian procurements and requiring their removal from agency information systems. Its reach extends beyond the Chinese developer’s own offerings to “third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations,” raising questions about how federal suppliers identify and document the models underlying their products.

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.

On the calendar

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.

Carlyle Exits Lukoil Sale as Rival Consortium Pursues Assets

U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group has abandoned its active pursuit of Lukoil's international assets after its acquisition agreement expired without Treasury Department approval, leaving a consortium led by investor Todd Boehly among the remaining contenders for the Russian oil company's overseas business.

Europe Broadens Russia Sanctions

The European Union added 1,646 persons and entities to its Russia sanctions list on October 12, increasing the number of designations under its Ukraine territorial-integrity regime by about 35%, to nearly 4,600.

Commerce Sets 24.75 Percent Combined Rate in Canadian Lumber Review

The result lowers the combined duty rate for many Canadian lumber suppliers but leaves importers with company-specific obligations and a separate tariff burden.

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.