Cross-border intelligence, on the wire.

The U.S. Trade Representative has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's intellectual property protection and enforcement practices. The investigation aims to determine if Vietnam's persistent IP issues are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden U.S. commerce. USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer stated that despite some recent steps, IP infringement in Vietnam continues to harm U.S. innovators and creators.

Amazon is providing its AI agent technology to other retailers, aiming to reduce the time needed to deploy AI shopping assistants. The initiative begins with Kate Spade, allowing the brand to offer an AI-powered shopping experience.

Dollar General reported a 3.4% increase in Q1 sales as more customers trade down to discount retailers due to rising gas prices, particularly affecting rural shoppers.

Victoria's Secret projects annual sales exceeding $7 billion after implementing a 'promo detox' strategy that increased full-price sales in Q1. The company's namesake and Pink brands both gained market share during the period.

Costco's personalized product recommendation carousels have driven $500 million in digital sales, with conversion rates three times higher than usual, according to CFO Gary Millerchip.

The United States and Mexico concluded the first bilateral round of the USMCA Joint Review in Mexico City, focusing on reducing the U.S. trade deficit with Mexico and strengthening supply chains. Key topics included automotive rules of origin, steel and aluminum, economic security, and regulatory compatibility for medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Further rounds are scheduled for June 16-17 in Washington, D.C., and July 20 in Mexico City.

The U.S. Trade Representative determined under Section 301 that certain Brazilian acts, policies, and practices related to digital trade, tariffs, anti-corruption, IP protection, ethanol market access, and deforestation are unreasonable and burden U.S. commerce. The USTR has proposed responsive action for public comment while continuing engagement with Brazil to resolve concerns before the July 15, 2026 deadline.

The U.S. Trade Representative is seeking public comments on establishing a U.S.-China Board of Trade to manage bilateral trade and on identifying non-sensitive products that could benefit from tariff adjustments to achieve balanced and reciprocal trade. Comments are due by July 10, 2026, with rebuttals due by July 24, 2026.

The Customs Bulletin Weekly for June 01, 2026, Volume 60, Number 11, is a compilation of decisions, rulings, regulations, notices, and abstracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Court of International Trade. It includes a PDF attachment of 666.15 KB.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection appointed Rosario 'Pete' Vasquez as Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol. With over 26 years of service, Vasquez has held various leadership roles including Chief Patrol Agent and assignments in special operations, anti-terrorism, and international postings.

In 2025, Arizona exported a record $44.4 billion in goods, making it the 14th largest state exporter. These exports supported an estimated 84,000 jobs in 2023, with manufacturing exports accounting for $39.3 billion and 73,000 jobs. The top manufacturing export category was computer and electronic products at $19.6 billion.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the Area Port of Nogales, Arizona, discovered a rare leafhopper species, Polyamia arachnion, in a commercial shipment of leafy greens on May 8. This is only the second time in 69 years that this species has been collected, with both specimens originating from central Mexico. The insect was quarantined to prevent potential damage to U.S. agriculture.

Ambassador Jamieson Greer will travel to Paris, France, to attend the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting on June 3-4, 2026. He will hold meetings with foreign counterparts to discuss fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade with the United States.

Operation Checkmate by Yuma Sector Border Patrol resulted in 52 arrests of illegal aliens, including 36 commercial truck drivers. Most drivers had invalid Employment Authorization Documents and were from India, Mexico, El Salvador, and Russia. All individuals will be deported.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized over $3.7 million worth of hard narcotics in four separate incidents over the weekend. The largest seizure involved 74.78 pounds of fentanyl, valued at $1.7 million, discovered in a commercial tractor at the World Trade Bridge. Port Director Alberto Flores praised the officers' vigilance and dedication in intercepting the illicit drugs.

The U.S. Trade Representative will attend the annual APEC Ministerial meeting in Singapore on July 21-22, 2009. This week's trade focus highlights U.S. trade relations with APEC member economies.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is hosting six recruitment events in June 2026, including virtual webinars and in-person expos, to hire for positions such as officers, agents, and professionals in intelligence, technology, and administration. The agency seeks candidates to support its mission of intercepting illicit narcotics, combating human smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade and travel. Events include a Border Patrol webinar on June 2, a CBP Officer webinar on June 4, a virtual career expo on June 10, a DHS Career Expo in Jacksonville on June 16-17, and additional webinars on June 23 and 24.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Progreso Port of Entry seized 88 pounds of cocaine valued at over $1.1 million on May 23. The drugs were found hidden in a GMC Sierra pickup driven by a 22-year-old U.S. citizen. The driver was arrested by Texas DPS officers, and the vehicle and narcotics were confiscated.