GTA Monthly Roundup: September 2025

The Global Trade Alert team documented 575 new trade and industrial policy interventions during September 2025. Four trends emerge:

1. China and the US diversified their policy toolkit beyond traditional instruments. China set the framework for countermeasures against jurisdictions that target Chinese vessels. It also introduced export licenses on EVs, established a 20% domestic preference in government procurement tenders and eased business visa requirements for Russian nationals. The US imposed a USD 100’000 fee on H-1B worker applications and introduced a new "Affiliates Rule" in its Entity List or Military End-User List (MEU).

2. The US expanded and modified its tariff regime and continued implementing bilateral deals. Washington announced additional duties of 10%-25% on timber and lumber imports following its Section 232 investigation. The Commerce Department also launched new Section 232 investigations into robotics, industrial machinery, and medical equipment. The Administration also modified the scope of reciprocal tariffs, exempting certain products while removing previous exemptions. Trade deals with the EU and Japan were implemented.

3. Policy activity in the defence sector intensified. France launched its “Avance Défense +” credit facility. Spain provided EUR 1 billion for satellite development. The EIB provided EUR 450 million for Thales’s aeronautics and radar R&D. The US Department of War awarded over USD 71 million across several projects. South Korea will grant KRW 400 billion in loans to SMEs in the sector. India reduced customs duties on defence goods until 2029 and signed an INR 62’370 crore contract for military aircraft procurement, subject to local content requirements.

4. Several jurisdictions aligned with broader Western sanctions against Russia. Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the UK expanded their Russian sanctions regimes. These included reducing the oil price cap from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel, targeting vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, and freezing the assets of several entities for allegedly supporting Russia's military capabilities.

The GTA Monthly Roundup provides a rapid overview of changes in import barriers, export curbs, subsidies, and related industrial policy measures. It is organised by geography, beginning with the United States, China and the European Union. The final section briefly summarises developments in further regions covered by the GTA. Links to official sources are included in the references.

The United States continued modifying its tariff regime and implementing bilateral trade deals. Washington updated its firms' blacklisting and labour market frameworks. The GTA team documented 81 new interventions during the last four weeks.

The Section 232 national security investigation on timber, lumber and derivative products resulted in additional duties of 10% or 25%, effective 14 October 2025. Imports from the EU, Japan and the UK are subject to preferential treatment following their bilateral deals. Effective 1 January 2026, duties on certain wood furniture under tariff chapter 94 will be raised to a range between 25% and 50%. This investigation was first announced in March 2025.

In terms of new investigations, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security initiated Section 232 investigations into the national security implications of robotics and industrial machinery imports, as well as protective equipment, medical consumables, and medical equipment. These will examine whether imports of these products threaten U.S. national security and could lead to tariffs or quotas being imposed in each case. The Department must deliver its findings to the President within 270 days, after which the President has up to 90 days to decide on potential actions.

Washington implemented previously announced bilateral deals with the EU and Japan. In relation to the EU deal, the US granted exemptions from reciprocal tariffs effective retroactively from 1 September 2025. The affected products include 1’027 tariff lines for generic pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and unavailable natural resources such as cork, which had previously been subject to a combined 15% duty. In addition, 553 tariff lines covering civil aircraft, engines, and parts received exemptions from both reciprocal tariffs and Section 232 tariffs on aluminium, steel, and copper. The notice also reduced the 25% Section 232 tariffs on European automobiles and automobile parts, with those changes taking effect from 1 August 2025. In early September, Washington implemented the trade deal with Japan, including the modification of Section 232 25% auto tariffs. For Japanese automobiles and auto parts, the order establishes a 15% minimum total duty rate (raising duties only if the standard rate is below 15%), while goods with standard rates of 15% or higher face no additional duties. The order also eliminated Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminium, and copper used in Japanese aerospace products covered by the WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. 

The White House modified the product scope of “reciprocal tariffs”. The modifications exempted products spanning tariff chapters 25-85 (ores, chemicals, precious metals, pulp, paper, nickel products, magnets, and semiconductors like LEDs) from the 10%-41% additional tariffs. It also removed certain items from the exclusion list, meaning products that were previously exempt from these tariffs will now be subject to them. The affected products include aluminium hydroxide, chemical mixtures, polyesters, and silicones under tariff chapters 28, 38, and 39. 

The US Customs and Border Protection reclassified certain men's footwear from Vietnam, resulting in an increase in the applicable duty rate from 8.5% to 37.5%. The reclassification affects specific product categories that were previously classified under a different tariff heading.

The Department of War announced several funding initiatives to strengthen defence infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. Golden Valley Electric Association Inc received USD 13 million in grants to enhance infrastructure supporting Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Additionally, the Department financially supported three companies to modernise Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) production capabilities: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems received USD 20.9 million, Americarb Inc received USD 12.6 million, and Materials Resources LLC received USD 25.2 million.

The Department of Commerce implemented a new "Affiliates Rule" in its Entity List or Military End-User List (MEU). The rule automatically subjects any company 50% or more owned by entities on these lists to the same export controls as their parent companies. 

The White House approved a qualified divestiture plan for TikTok's US operations, preventing a nationwide ban. The approved plan establishes a new US-based joint venture to operate TikTok, Lemon8, and CapCut, with majority ownership by US investors. ByteDance Ltd will hold less than a 20% non-controlling stake. 

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reissued a funding notice of over USD 5 billion in grants available for eligible rail projects. All funded projects must comply with “Buy America” provisions, requiring iron, steel, manufactured goods, and construction materials to be produced in the US. 

The US government imposed a USD 100’000 fee on employers hiring new H-1B workers from outside the country. The restriction takes effect on 21 September 2025 for 12 months, with exceptions permitted where hiring serves the national interest. 

With respect to trade defence, the International Trade Administration initiated antidumping investigations on high-purity dissolving pulp imports from Brazil and Norway. In addition, the US imposed provisional countervailing duties on imports of silicon metal from Australia, Laos, Norway and Thailand and provisional antidumping duties on imports of chassis from Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam. Other Chinese imports were also subject to new duties, including ceramic abrasive grains and hexamethylenetetramine.

During September 2025, China further targeted US firms and expanded domestic industrial support. Beijing also introduced new export controls on EVs, changed public procurement rules and set the framework to put countermeasures against jurisdictions that sanction Chinese vessels. The GTA team documented 54 new interventions.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) introduced a new export licensing requirement for electric passenger vehicles classified under tariff line 8703.80.10.90. The measure, to enter into force on 1 January 2026, was issued “to promote the healthy development of new energy vehicle trade”.

In response to alleged US arms sales to Chinese Taipei, MOFCOM added three US defence companies to China's Unreliable Entity List. The targeted companies — Saronic Technologies Inc, Aerkomm Inc, and Oceaneering International Inc — are prohibited from engaging in export activities to China. On the same day, the government added three additional US companies to China's Dual-Use Export Control List, targeting Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc, Planate Management Group, and Global Dimensions LLC. Exports of dual-use items to these entities were banned.

China increased its 2025 export quota for refined fuel products such as petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel by 8.4 million tonnes, raising the annual total to 40.2 million tonnes. Simultaneously, the government raised the quota for low-sulphur marine fuel by 700’000 tonnes, bringing the annual total to 13.9 million tonnes.

China's cyberspace authority (CAC) reportedly banned Chinese technology companies from purchasing Nvidia's RTX Pro 6000D chips. Companies such as ByteDance and Alibaba were directed to cancel testing and orders for the new chip, with sources indicating that firms had planned to order tens of thousands of units before receiving the prohibition.

The three US defence companies added to China's Unreliable Entity List were also prohibited from engaging in import activities in China.

Several Chinese ministries published guidelines during the past month. These include guidelines to "vigorously develop digital consumption" through various state aid measures targeting digital economy sectors. The guidelines promote government support for SME digitalisation, R&D of AI-powered devices and smart appliances, metaverse and generative AI content, among others. Moreover, the guidelines to promote services exports provide for increased insurance support by Sinosure and other financial services. Earlier, ministries published guidelines on policy measures to expand service consumption. The guidelines call for state aid and promotion of, among others, digital service consumption and the launch of high-quality creations in literature, art, film, television, and animation. 

In another concrete effort to spur consumption, the Ministry of Finance will grant up to CNY 200 million per pilot project that develops “international consumption environments”. The funding will be available for 15 initiatives for high-quality consumption, duty-free services, and domestic brand development. 

At the subnational level, Guangming District in Shenzhen launched the “Shenzhen Guangming Guowan Zhongying Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Fund” with an initial size of CNY 1 billion. The government-guided "sci-tech mother fund" will focus on equity investment and supporting innovation in strategic industries. Pinggu District in Beijing disclosed several targeted measures. For the pharmaceutical sector, the district introduced state aid of up to CNY 10 million to encourage pharmaceutical and health enterprises to establish operations in the district. For the information software service industry, the district announced up to CNY 15 million for enterprises with high revenue growth. Likewise, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region adopted measures to support AI and manufacturing development, including up to CNY 10 million for the industrialisation and production line projects of smart products such as smart vehicles, chips, and sensors.

Piotech Jianke (Haining) Semiconductor Equipment Co Ltd reportedly received a capital injection of CNY 450 million from the state-owned National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund. The measure marks the first investment since the fund’s launch in May 2024.

The State Council amended its Regulations on International Maritime Transport, setting the framework for "necessary countermeasures" against jurisdictions that impose discriminatory measures against Chinese maritime operators or vessels. These countermeasures may include imposing special fees, restricting port entry or exit, and limiting access to China's maritime transport data.

China adopted new government procurement standards, giving domestic products a 20% price evaluation advantage over foreign goods in public tenders. The preference, effective 1 January 2026, applies to goods in China's Government Procurement Item Classification Catalogue and excludes categories like real estate, natural resources, utilities, and raw agricultural products.

MOFCOM launched two investigations that could result in restrictive measures. The first is a “trade and investment barrier” investigation into the Mexican proposal to increase import tariffs on products from China and other non-free trade partners. The second investigation is an “anti-discrimination” investigation into a set of US measures in the field of integrated circuits. The investigation examines the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese products, export restrictions on integrated circuit-related products and manufacturing equipment, and restrictions on companies engaging in economic, trade, and investment activities with China. 

Chinese authorities initiated antidumping investigations on US imports of analogue IC chips and on imports of pecans from Mexico and the US. Furthermore, China imposed provisional antidumping duties ranging from 15.6% to 62.4% on EU pork products. This investigation was initiated in June 2024. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a trial visa waiver policy for Russian passport holders. Effective from mid-September 2025 to mid-September 2026, Russian individuals can enter China visa-free for stays not exceeding 30 days, including for business purposes. 

The EU focused on providing financial support to strategic sectors, including defence. Spain also established trade restrictions against Israel. The GTA team documented 81 new interventions adopted by the EU and its member states.

Spain set an export ban on weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Israel. The measure forms part of a broader package aimed at supporting the Palestinian population and pressuring the Israeli government.

Likewise, Spain implemented an import ban on products originating from Israeli settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. The country also introduced an import ban on weapons, ammunition and military equipment from Israel.

The European Investment Bank signed several financing agreements with European companies. These include EUR 450 million to Thales for research and development in aeronautics and radar technologies, EUR 150 million to Soitec SA for developing next-generation silicon on insulator wafer technologies for the semiconductor industry, and EUR 400 million to Fresenius for the expansion of manufacturing of medical products and biosimilars. The Bank also concluded a EUR 200 million loan with BNP Paribas Leasing Services to support investments by SMEs and mid-caps in Poland.

Similarly, the European Investment Fund invested EUR 260 million in Jolt Capital V. The private fund will provide capital to growth-stage deep technology companies in strategic sectors such as Industry 4.0, AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, new materials, and mobility.

At the national level, France’s Bpifrance contributed EUR 250 million to “Avance Défense +”, a short-term credit solution dedicated to the defence sector. Spain provided a EUR 1 billion loan to Hisdesat Servicios Estratégicos SA for the development of the PAZ 2 Earth observation satellite programme. Concerning the energy sector, Germany increased the budget of its programme for renewable energy sources to EUR 35.9 billion (from EUR 28 billion). Portugal also raised the budget of its grant scheme for energy-intensive companies to EUR 275 million (from EUR 175 million). The scheme assists electricity-intensive sectors in coping with indirect emission costs and preventing carbon leakage.

Brussels initiated several antidumping investigations targeting Chinese products, including alkyl phosphonic acids and their sodium salts, PET spunbond, and pea protein. The EU also opened antidumping investigations on certain cold-rolled flat steel products from India, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Türkiye and Vietnam, and on Russian urea imports. Furthermore, the Commission set definitive antidumping duties ranging between 29.2% and 124.9% on Chinese imports of certain glyoxylic acid.

The GTA documented 358 new interventions announced by jurisdictions outside the US, China, and the European Union in the last four weeks. Significant developments include:

Argentina temporarily eliminated export taxes on 145 meat products until the end of October 2025, exempting duties that had ranged between 2.3% and 6.5%. The government also eliminated export taxes on 85 grain products, including soybeans, sunflower seeds, and soybean oil. The measure was set to last until October 2025, or until export registrations reached USD 7 billion. However, the program was terminated two days after implementation, when the Customs Collection and Control Agency announced the USD 7 billion registration quota had been reached. Concerning investment incentives, Buenos Aires approved the “Proyecto Hombre Muerto Oeste” lithium project as a beneficiary of the “Incentive Regime for Large Investments”. This granted the project tax benefits, import tariffs and internal taxes exemptions on undisclosed imported products. 

Australia expanded its sanctions regime against Russia by targeting an additional 95 vessels from Russia's shadow fleet and reducing the price cap of Russian oil from USD  60 to USD 47.6 per barrel. Canberra also announced plans to establish an AUD 5 billion “Net Zero Fund” for decarbonising the industrial sector and scaling up low-emissions technologies. 

Brazil published the “Special Taxation Regime for Datacenter Services (REDATA)”, which provides tax exemptions to data centres and tariff exemptions on imported ICT equipment. REDATA’s benefits are subject to a 2% national investment of the value of products acquired domestically or imported under the program's benefits. The government further set a BRL 12 billion credit line for rural producers and agricultural cooperatives. The national development bank, BNDES, invested BRL 5 billion in companies operating in the green economy sector, and signed a BRL 450 million loan with Starnav Serviços Marítimos to support maritime services. Brasilia also established an import tariff rate quota on lithium-ion batteries and acrylonitrile until September 2026. As for trade defence, the government initiated an antidumping investigation on imports of certain acrylic acid from China.

Canada’s PM Mark Carney announced another support package to help national companies deal with the US tariffs. The package includes a budget increase of the “Regional Tariff Response Initiative” from CAD 450 million to CAD 1 billion, the creation of a CAD 5 billion “Strategic Response Fund”, and a new “Buy Canadian” policy for government steel and lumber procurement. Concerning firm-specific support, Ontario’s Algoma Steel Inc received CAD 500 million for the economic mitigation of the US Section 232 metal tariffs. Moreover, the Canada Infrastructure Bank provided CAD 660 million to Irving Pulp & Paper for the large-scale modernisation of the company's pulp mill. Ottawa also set provisional countervailing duties on steel strapping from China and provisional antidumping duties on similar imports from China, South Korea, Türkiye, and Vietnam. 

Chinese Taipei unveiled an increase in the budget of the four industry support measures from TWD 20 billion to TWD 46 billion. These programmes are "R&D Transformation Subsidies", "Winning Overseas Orders", "Preferential Guarantee for Export Loans", and "Diversified Development Loan for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises". It also proposed export controls on 47 goods exported to South Africa, including integrated circuits. The measure was subsequently suspended following bilateral consultations. 

Egypt initiated three safeguard investigations in the steel sector to protect domestic producers. These are investigations on semi-finished products of iron or non-alloy steel, hot-rolled flat steel products and cold-rolled coil, galvanised steel and pre-painted steel products. The investigations have already resulted in provisional duties up to 16.2%. 

India imposed an export registration requirement on non-basmati rice, requiring exporters to register contracts with the Agricultural and Food Products Export Development Authority before shipping. New Delhi also granted customs duty exemptions on certain defence goods until 2029. The Ministry of Defence signed an INR 62’370 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the procurement of military aircraft, subject to local content requirements. With regards to industrial support, the Union Cabinet approved an INR 1’500 crore Incentive Scheme for the separation and production of critical minerals, and unveiled an INR 69'725 crore package to support the national shipbuilding sector. 

Indonesia initiated an antidumping investigation on imports of certain hot-rolled coils from China. The country is also granting IDR 16 trillion for loans to Red and White Village Cooperatives through four state-owned banks. 

Iraq banned the import of whole frozen chicken, cutlets, and processed chicken. The decision aims "to protect local product from market flooding by imported poultry products".

Japan’s Development Bank of Japan provided undisclosed hybrid finance to Nippon Steel Corporation for its acquisition of US Steel. According to the Japanese company, it raised JPY 800 billion in total from several banks to finance the transaction. In addition, Tokyo joined other jurisdictions in expanding its sanction regime against Russia. It lowered the price cap on Russian crude oil from USD 60 to USD 47.6 per barrel. It set blanket export bans on 11 entities from Russia, China (including Hong Kong), Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as established financial sanctions against 45 Russian entities and three entities from the Marshall Islands and Seychelles. 

Kenya allocated KES 5 billion to support the national livestock value chain. This will be through state loans for smallholder farmers and livestock producers.

Mexico’s Ministry of Finance issued approximately USD 13.8 billion in bonds, with the proceeds directed as a capital contribution to state-owned oil company Pemex. The measure aims to reduce the company’s foreign currency debt obligations and stabilise its debt profile. 

New Zealand also expanded its sanctions against Russia. It placed six additional Russian entities, one from North Korea and another from Iran, on its frozen funds list. Moreover, Wellington added 19 vessels to the list for which port access is prohibited. 

The Philippines approved a 22’000 MT import quota of frozen fish products and a 55’000 MT import quota of frozen small pellagic products. To attract foreign investment, Manila extended the maximum lease term for private lands by foreign investors from 50 to 99 years.

Qatar banned the export of new cars that have not been registered in the country for at least six months. According to the government, the regulation will ensure a stable supply of new cars in the local market. 

Russia increased import duties on certain semi-trailers, alcoholic beverages, and oils, fats and drinking waters from “unfriendly” states. Moscow also placed Air Liquide's Russian subsidiaries under temporary administration, restricting the French company's operations in the country.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) acquired SAR 7.5 billion (54%) of the media company MBC Group. The Saudi Export-Import Bank signed a cooperation agreement with Riyad Bank to support SMEs through export guarantees of up to SAR 30 million each.

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission announced a KRW 10 trillion financial support programme for small businesses. The package includes KRW 2 trillion for the "Startup Support" loan scheme, KRW 1.5 trillion for the "Value Growth" loan scheme and KRW 1 trillion for other credit and guarantee lines, each. The government further contributed KRW 500 billion to the “Corporate Restructuring Fund No.6” for companies in export industries "expected to suffer tariff-related losses”. The Industrial Bank of Korea will provide KRW 400 billion to SMEs in the AI and defence sectors and KRW 300 billion to technology start-ups. As for agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture will supply an additional 25’000 tonnes of rice to stabilise the good’s price. 

Thailand initiated a safeguard investigation on imports of certain polypropylene products. This follows the application lodged by HMC Polymers Company Limited, Thai Polyethylene Company Limited, and IRPC Public Company Limited on behalf of the Thai industry.

Türkiye repealed additional duties ranging from 5% to 70% on certain US products imposed in 2018. The removed measures affected 15 tariff chapters, including alcoholic beverages, automobiles, cosmetics, and leaf tobacco. According to Turkey's Ministry of Trade, the decision followed positive progress in bilateral negotiations. Moreover, Ankara changed its import tariffs on passenger vehicles. This translated into higher additional duties for most trading partners and reduced additional duties for China. As for business support, the development and investment bank TKYB established a USD 200 million loan facility for the working capital needs of local companies.

The United Kingdom provided a GBP 1.5 billion loan guarantee to Jaguar Land Rover. The measure aims to support the automotive manufacturer's cash reserves and supply chain. London also expanded its sanctions regime against Russia. It imposed sanctions on two and 70 oil tankers allegedly involved in transporting Russian oil. The government also froze the funds of 19 Russian, three Thai, one India-based, one Turkish, and three Hong Kong entities for their alleged roles in supporting Russia's military capabilities. 

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