Japan last week announced new export controls on semiconductor-related items and other sensitive technologies, according to an unofficial translation of a Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry notice. The items will need export licenses when destined to certain countries “if there is a risk that they will be used for the development of conventional weapons, etc.,” Japan said. Exemptions will apply for certain exports of goods involving “allied nations' forces for joint training” activities.
The White House last week released a summary of the April 1 reports it received from U.S. agencies on President Donald Trump’s America-first trade policy agenda (see 2501210023). The summary includes brief mentions of export controls and investment restrictions.
The U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation released a threat assessment about possible sanctions violations by legal services providers, noting that since February 2022, the legal services sector has accounted for the second-highest number of suspected breach report submissions to OFSI. Legal services accounts for 16% of all submissions, behind first-place financial services with 65% of submissions.
Singapore said it’s boosting enforcement against companies that may be using the country to circumvent foreign nations’ export controls on advanced chips, warning businesses that it may take legal action or impose other penalties.
The European Commission hasn't been officially informed by the Bureau of Industry and Security about the agency's plans to pull back from export control talks at the U.S.-EU Trade and Technology Council, a commission spokesperson said this week.
The Bureau of Industry and Security this week added 30 parties to its boycott requester list, a list of entities that have asked other companies to boycott goods from certain countries in violation of the Export Administration Regulations. It also removed 18 parties after they certified that they "stopped making boycott-related requests in transactions with U.S. persons," BIS said.
Russian national Oleg Patsulya was sentenced April 2 to nearly six years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to ship controlled aviation technology to Russia in violation of U.S. export laws and to launder money in connection with the scheme, DOJ announced.
The House Republican Study Committee unveiled a package of sanctions bills April 1 aimed at backing the Trump administration’s efforts to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting terrorism.
Former Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to China, said April 3 that he will try to “increase the dialogue pace” on U.S.-China trade, including on agricultural products, if he’s confirmed.
The Bureau of Industry and Security this week revoked the export privileges of a Kenya-based company and two people for trying to illegally export airplane parts from the U.S. to Russia, including by lying to American freight forwarders and other businesses about where the parts would be sent. It also warned that the company and people are continuing to try to illegally buy export controlled parts from American businesses.