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CIT Deadlines Turn Phosphate and Magnesium Duties into Live Risk · Traverse

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CIT Deadlines Turn Phosphate and Magnesium Duties into Live Risk

Two trade-remedy cases now moving through the Court of International Trade show why duty exposure does not end when Commerce or the USITC issues an order. The Mosaic dispute is centered on the countervailing duty order covering phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. The Tianjin Magnesium dispute concerns Chinese magnesium duties and a motion for reconsideration. The cases are not legally connected, but their June briefing deadlines put two import-sensitive duty fights back on the calendar at the same time.

Today's situation

The Department of Justice asked for more time in The Mosaic Company v. United States, a CIT case tied to Commerce's countervailing duty determination and order on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. DOJ's requested deadline is June 4, with responses due June 10, and OCP S.A., Morocco's phosphate producer, is participating as an intervenor. Separately, DOJ opposed Tianjin Magnesium International's motion for reconsideration in a Chinese magnesium duty dispute, with reply briefing due June 8. The useful signal is timing: both dockets keep the factual and legal basis for duty exposure active in early June.

The strategic read

These cases show that duty exposure is not confined to administrative review cycles. Litigation can keep the underlying factual and legal record active long after the original order is issued. Mosaic matters because the case is about a CVD order on Moroccan phosphate fertilizers, not a generic antidumping dispute. Tianjin Magnesium matters because a reconsideration fight can reopen contested issues in the record or create pressure for further review, even before it produces any change in the duty rate.

Source trail

1

CIT: Mosaic v. US, DOJ Seeks Briefing Extension to Jun 4, 2026 (OCP S.A. Intervenor)

The U.S. Department of Justice requested a briefing extension to June 4, 2026, in the ongoing Court of International Trade case involving The Mosaic Company against the United States, with Morocco's OCP S.A. intervening as defendant. The case concerns the countervailing duty determination and order covering phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. Responses to DOJ's brief are due June 10.

Put it in your queue if: You source phosphate fertilizers from Morocco or compete with Moroccan imports; you need to understand how CVD orders can remain active through CIT litigation after the original agency determination.

Read source · May 22, 2026 · ↗

2

CIT: DOJ Opposes Tianjin Magnesium's Motion for Reconsideration in AD/CVD Dispute

The U.S. Department of Justice filed an opposition to Tianjin Magnesium International Co., Ltd.'s motion for reconsideration in Case 1:25-cv-00002 before the Court of International Trade. The dispute concerns duty determinations on Chinese magnesium. Reply briefs are due June 8, 2026.

Put it in your queue if: You import or source magnesium from China; you track CIT litigation that could reopen contested issues in the duty record.

Read source · May 22, 2026 · ↗

3

MARAD Solicits Comments on Jones Act Waiver for Foreign-Built Vessel S/V JERSEY GIRL

The Maritime Administration is seeking public comment on a request to use the foreign-built sailing vessel S/V JERSEY GIRL in U.S. coastwise trade carrying up to 12 passengers for hire. MARAD will assess whether granting the waiver would adversely affect U.S. vessel builders or coastwise trade businesses operating U.S.-built vessels.

Put it in your queue if: You operate or invest in U.S. maritime services; you track Jones Act waiver precedents for small passenger vessels.

Read source · May 22, 2026 · ↗

4

Presidential Proclamation: Implementing Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026 Trade Provisions

The White House issued a proclamation on May 22, 2026 to implement trade-related provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. Treat this as an editor-review item before using it in duty guidance: the product scope and tariff effect should be read directly from the proclamation text and any linked HTSUS instructions.

Put it in your queue if: You maintain tariff classification, duty-suspension, quota, or preference-program updates and need to confirm whether the proclamation changes a product line you monitor.

Read source · May 22, 2026 · ↗

5

FTZ 75 Proposed Production Activity: Essai Inc. Semiconductor Test Equipment, Chandler AZ

The Department of Commerce notified of a proposed production activity by Essai, Inc. under Foreign-Trade Zone 75 in Chandler, Arizona, covering semiconductor test equipment manufacturing. FTZ designation can affect duty timing and treatment for components used in approved production activity, subject to the final authorization and applicable FTZ rules.

Put it in your queue if: You source semiconductor test equipment components or compete in that market; you track FTZ authorizations in Arizona.

Read source · May 22, 2026 · ↗