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Ustr

All articles tagged with #ustr

legal-and-policy4 days ago•2 min saved

ESA Petitions US Trade Officials to Blacklist Anbernic for Facilitating Hardware Piracy

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has formally requested that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) add Chinese retro console manufacturer Anbernic to the annual Notorious Market List. The trade group argues that Anbernic devices are frequently sold with pre-loaded memory cards containing thousands of unauthorized game copies, a practice they classify as 'superfake' commercial-scale piracy. While Anbernic does not include pirated content in devices sold directly from its own website, the ESA contends that third-party retailers and mainstream marketplaces normalize this behavior by bundling illicit software with polished hardware. If accepted, the designation could trigger import restrictions or Section 301 investigations, potentially blocking Anbernic products from US retail channels like Amazon and eBay. The ESA also urged the USTR to target other piracy enablers, including cracked game sources and commercial cheat markets, and proposed seven enforcement steps for governments and market operators.

via GamesIndustry.biz|

#anbernic #copyright-piracy #esa

technology4 days ago•2 min saved

ESA urges US trade officials to label Anbernic a piracy 'superfake'

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has petitioned the US Trade Representative (USTR) to classify Chinese handheld manufacturer Anbernic as a 'superfake' on the annual Notorious Markets list. The ESA argues that while Anbernic does not include pirated ROMs in devices sold directly from its website, third-party retailers frequently bundle unauthorized game copies with the hardware. This practice, the ESA claims, normalizes piracy by delivering illicit content through polished consumer products. If accepted, the designation could lead to import restrictions or Section 301 investigations, potentially blocking Anbernic devices from US retail channels like Amazon and eBay.

via Ars Technica|

#anbernic #emulation #esa

technology5 days ago•3 min saved

ESA Pushes for Anbernic to Be Listed as a 'Superfake' in Annual Piracy Report

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has recommended that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) classify retro handheld manufacturer Anbernic as a 'superfake' in the annual 'Notorious Markets' list. This designation targets companies selling high-quality counterfeit goods or products that facilitate piracy. The ESA argues that Anbernic’s practice of selling consoles with pre-loaded microSD cards containing pirated ROMs constitutes a significant threat to the gaming industry. If the USTR accepts this recommendation, Anbernic could face restrictions on selling its devices in the United States, potentially impacting distribution through major retailers like Amazon and eBay. This is the first year the ESA has specifically emphasized the 'superfake' category in its submissions, marking a shift in how rightsholders address hardware that enables piracy.

via Retro Handhelds|

#anbernic #entertainment-software-association #piracy

politics2 months ago•4 min saved

States sue to block Trump-era global tariffs, alleging overreach

A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states filed suit in the U.S. Court of International Trade to block 10%–12.5% tariffs on goods from 60 trading partners, arguing the administration exceeded its authority under Section 301, bypassed country-specific reviews, and should refund duties; the White House defends the tariffs as lawful, while opponents say the regime is overbroad.

via CNBC|

#lawsuit #politics #section-301

world4 months ago•2 min saved

US opens Section 301 review into India's forced-labor import gaps

The U.S. Trade Representative has launched a Section 301 investigation into India, finding that the country lacks a legal prohibition and effective enforcement against imports produced with forced labor, as part of a broader 60-economy review covering over 99% of US imports. The finding could justify trade actions such as tariffs or import restrictions, with the investigation having started in March 2026.

via Asia News Network|

#forced-labor #import-restrictions #india

world4 months ago•11 min saved

US targets 60 economies with sweeping tariffs over forced-labor concerns

The USTR released a comprehensive report accusing 60 economies of failing to curb forced-labor production and proposed tariffs on all products from those countries, naming partners such as China, Vietnam, Mexico, India, the UK, Canada and the EU. The move follows earlier tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court and drew mixed reactions from European and UK officials, who warned of uncertainty, while Washington argues the tariffs are needed to level the global playing field for American workers.

via Yahoo Finance|

#forced-labor #international-trade #tariffs

politics4 months ago•11 min saved

US to Impose Broad Tariffs Over Forced Labor Concerns on 60 Partners

The Trump administration proposes new tariffs on about 60 trading partners that fail to curb forced-labor goods, with 10% tariffs for countries with existing bans and 12.5% for those without, potentially authorized under Section 301 as part of a bid to revive tariff policy after a Supreme Court ruling limited earlier levies, drawing skeptical reaction from critics.

via Yahoo Finance|

#forced-labor #politics #section-301

business4 months ago•10 min saved

Trump’s tariffs reboot narrows the scope with new carve-outs

Trump is rolling out a more restrained tariff regime to replace last year’s approach after the Supreme Court struck it down, proposing duties on about 60 partners with many rates lower than before and easing steel, aluminum and copper tariffs to reduce pain on farmers and manufacturers. The plan reflects a balance between lowering everyday costs and the push to “reindustrialize” the U.S. with a relatively high tariff wall. The administration’s new framework relies on forced-labor investigations (44 countries could face 12.5% and others 10% where anti-forced-labor laws exist or trade agreements apply) while ongoing probes into other partners continue. Public hearings are planned for July 7 as Europe, Canada, Mexico and others weigh how to respond amid negotiations.

via Politico|

#business #forced-labor #tariffs

world4 months ago•3 min saved

US Targets 60 Trading Partners with New Tariffs Over Forced-Labor Probes

The Trump administration proposed 10% or higher tariffs on about 60 trading partners accused of allowing forced labor, targeting major economies like China, the UK, and the EU. Most partners would face 12.5% duties, with 16 including the UK, Canada, Mexico, the EU, Taiwan and Argentina at 10%. Some goods are exempt (beef, tomatoes, coffee), and a rule may allow reduced tariffs on textiles if U.S. textiles are imported in equal amounts. The plan must go through a public comment process and is part of an effort to revive a tariff framework after the Supreme Court struck down earlier broad measures under Section 301 of the Trade Act; it signals ongoing U.S. attempts to reshape trade policy amid concerns over forced labor.

via CBS News|

#forced-labor #section-301 #tariffs

politics4 months ago•5 min saved

US eyes 10% tariffs on Canada and EU over forced-labor findings

The Trump administration proposed a 10% tariff on top trading partners including Canada and the European Union after a USTR probe found weak enforcement against goods made with forced labor; a 12.5% duty is planned for dozens of other countries with signed commitments, while the United Kingdom is noted for having a partial regime to prevent forced labor. The plan is part of a broader Section 301 review to reimpose tariffs, with written comments due by July 6 and public hearings on July 7.

via Politico|

#canada #european-union #forced-labor

policy4 months ago•5 min saved

USTR Targets Forced-Labor Goods Across 60 Economies With New Tariff Plan

The USTR ruled that 60 economies fail to prohibit and enforce a ban on importing goods produced with forced labor, deeming these practices unreasonable and actionable under Section 301(b). It proposed additional duties: 10% on economies with enforceable prohibitions or reciprocal trade commitments (or partial regimes), and 12.5% for all other economies, plus a textile mechanism for reduced rates on some apparel imports. Public comments are due by July 6, 2026, with hearings on July 7 and request-to-appear by June 22. The investigations, initiated March 12, identified 54 economies that failed to prohibit forced labor and 6 that failed to enforce it (Canada; Ecuador; the EU; Indonesia; Mexico; Pakistan). The aim is to level the playing field and curb forced labor in supply chains.”,

via ustr.gov|

#forced-labor #policy #public-comment

policy4 months ago•2 min saved

USTR Launches Section 301 Investigation Into Vietnam's IP Practices

USTR has opened a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam’s IP protection and enforcement after designating Vietnam a Priority Foreign Country in the 2026 Special 301 Report; the probe will evaluate whether Vietnam’s IP practices burden U.S. commerce and could lead to responsive actions after the review.

via ustr.gov|

#ip-protection-and-enforcement #policy #section-301

politics5 months ago•14 min saved

Greer’s Mission: Locking in Tariffs for the Long Haul

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Trump’s top tariff strategist, is trying to turn the administration’s tariff agenda into a legally durable regime by shifting from IEEPA powers to Section 301 and related tools, including a short-term 10% tariff under Section 122 and a longer-term framework. He’s spearheaded 96 investigations and secured nine reciprocal deals, but Supreme Court limits and voter anxiety over prices complicate a path to lasting tariffs. Greer’s rising influence suggests the White House seeks tariffs that endure beyond this term, even as Republicans and the public debate their cost.

via Politico|

#jamieson-greer #politics #tariffs

policy5 months ago•2 min saved

US Targets IP Protections: Vietnam Named Priority Foreign Country in 2026 Special 301

The USTR’s 2026 Special 301 Report designates Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country for IP protection and enforcement, moves Argentina and Mexico to the Watch List, adds the European Union to the Watch List, and removes Bulgaria from the Watch List. Six countries remain on the Priority Watch List and 19 are on the Watch List. USTR will decide within 30 days whether to launch a Section 301 investigation against Vietnam, following public submissions and a hearing with government, industry, and NGO representatives.

via ustr.gov|

#intellectual-property #policy #special-301

trade7 months ago•2 min saved

US opens 60 Section 301 probes on forced-labor enforcement by partner economies

The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated 60 Section 301(b) investigations to determine whether 60 economies failed to prohibit or effectively enforce bans on goods made with forced labor, assessing if their acts are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce. USTR will seek consultations, hold hearings on April 28, 2026, and accept written comments by April 15, 2026. The economies under review include major partners such as Canada, the European Union, China, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Vietnam, among others.

via ustr.gov|

#forced-labor #investigations #section-301