International Trade

Directive (EU) 2024/825 makes generic environmental claims a blacklisted practice across the EU from 27 September 2026, with no transition period for stock already on shelves. Most member states missed transposition and face infringement proceedings, but the application date is unchanged.

A proclamation signed on August 13 imposes Section 232 duties of 100 percent on heavier and thermal-imaging drones and 25 percent on consumer models of 25 kilograms or less, effective September 3, 2026. A further 25 percent on designated components follows on February 9, 2027, landing on retail assortments mid-way through holiday inventory build.

TJX reports second-quarter results on August 19, hours after 50% Section 338 tariffs on Canadian goods take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern. The Street expects about $15.1bn in sales and $1.18 a share from the retailer that has treated trade disruption as a buying opportunity.

The US Court of International Trade has yet to rule on a motion to certify a nationwide class of importers locked out of CBP’s IEEPA tariff refund portal, argued on August 6. The outcome decides whether importers with finally liquidated entries recover administratively or must sue one by one.

The US Court of International Trade ruled on August 13 that IEEPA lets the President rescind the de minimis exemption, upholding the end of duty-free entry for parcels under $800. The government lost one count, and a separate refund claim remains open.

Dillard’s second quarter net income rose 34% to $97.7 million after a $37.2 million refund of tariffs the Supreme Court invalidated added 260 basis points to retail gross margin. The company says it expects no further significant refunds, even as consumer class actions over the $166 billion pot multiply.