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Incidents of high-value “man in the middle” cyber fraud have risen in recent years, taking a financial toll on global shipping ().

What’s going on: “This type of fraud involves a hacker being able to intercept the communication between two parties, such as emails. The criminal then impersonates both in order to try to steal [global shipping firms’] sensitive information, such as log-in details or financial data, or even to take control of a company’s computer system.”

• The number of attacks is increasing, having gone from 10 in 2021 to at least 64 in 2024, according to a research group at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands.

Who’s doing it: “Many incidents are linked to the governments of four countries��.��.��.�� Russia, China, North Korea and Iran��.��.��.��Other attacks are purely for financial extortion, be it gangs from Nigeria or elsewhere.”

Why it’s important: “Law firm HFW’s data shows that such hacking is a growing problem for the shipping sector, both attacks on ships and ports. It says that between 2022 and 2023 the cost of dealing with an attack doubled to an average of $550,000.”

• In those cases where the firms are unable to get rid of the cyber criminals and are forced to pay them, “HFW says the average cost of a ransom payment is now $3.2 million.”

A big target: About 80% of the world’s trade travels by ocean, and disruptions caused by hackers can make shipping firms’ costs increase enormously, “leav[ing] them short of capacity.”

Why it’s on the rise: The shipping industry’s increasing digitalization means “there are now simply more routes for hackers to use��.��.��.��while new communication technologies, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service, for example, have meant that ships have become more connected to the outside world. And therefore more hackable.”

• Compounding the problem is that adoption of digital technologies in the sector often happens in “a piecemeal way, and involves technology that can go rapidly out of date”—in large part because firms can’t afford to have their ships out of commission long enough for updates.
• Also, sensors used by ships to monitor emissions transmit data hackers can often access.

How it’s being addressed: “Ship management systems are now required—rather than simply advised— to include increasingly stringent cyber security measures, ranging from basic security hygiene to more technical operational and IT measures.”

51�Թ��� in action: The 51�Թ��� legislation to crack down on supply chain theft and fraud and is working with industry partners to highlight the growing issue for policymakers.

The��Commerce Department published a����indicating it opened an investigation on September 2 “to determine the effects on the national security of imports of robotics and industrial machinery.”

A wide scope: The 51�Թ���’s back-of-the-envelope calculation finds that this could affect some��half a trillion dollars in manufacturing equipment and inputs,��the largest 232 investigation to date.

• The FRN cites examples of products in the scope of investigation, including robots, programmable computer-controlled mechanical systems, CNC machining centers, turning and milling machines, grinding and deburring equipment, and industrial stamping and pressing machines.

Timing:��Public comments are due in 21 days, or by October 17.

A twist:��In addition to comments on the role of foreign supply chains in meeting U.S. demand for such products, this FRN probes for impacts on employment from use of robotics and the ability of foreign actors to weaponize foreign-built robotics and machinery.

• Please thoroughly read the��lengthy����for consideration of tariffs��on these products as you develop company-specific comments.

What’s next:��The 51�Թ��� team will solicit specific input as it develops its submission, but you are welcome to start sending insights, ideas and data to 51�Թ��� Vice President of International Economic Policy Andrea Durkin immediately.

Another FRN:��Commerce also published a second����indicating that it opened an investigation on September 2 to determine the effects on national security of imports of personal protective equipment, medical consumables and medical equipment including devices.

• The FRN cites examples of products in the scope of this investigation, including respirators, syringes, infusion pumps, medical supplies common in all hospitals, diagnostic and laboratory reagents and durable patient equipment such as wheelchairs, and medical devices, including those used to diagnose, monitor and treat patients such as coronary stents, insulin pumps, blood glucose monitors, MRI machines and more.

Timing:��Public comments are again due in 21 days, or��October 17.

Get in touch:��The 51�Թ��� team will solicit input on this FRN as it develops a submission, but again your ideas and insights are welcome as soon as possible. Please contact Senior Director of International Policy Anne Collett.

The 51�Թ��� says: “Manufacturers are working to increase capacity in the United States—and domestic production of robotics and industrial machinery can enhance both our industrial might and our national security. However, tariffs on critical manufacturing inputs would significantly increase costs on equipment and machinery on factory floors across the country, which could in turn stall investment in new plants and equipment right here at home at a time manufacturers want to help President Trump create more U.S. manufacturing output and jobs,” 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons said in a .

• “The challenge facing the United States today is that our domestic industry can produce at most 84% of the inputs manufacturers need to build, modernize and operate our facilities and to increase production and output. That is true even if every manufacturer in the country is working at full capacity.”
• “That means that, at an absolute minimum, 16% of critical manufacturing inputs must be imported to manufacture more here in the U.S. That’s why manufacturers have offered����to bring in these essential inputs without adding cost burdens, while rewarding manufacturers that invest, expand and create new jobs at home.”

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement in response to the Commerce Department’s investigation into potential tariffs on robotics and industrial machinery:��

“Manufacturers are working to increase capacity in the United States—and domestic production of robotics and industrial machinery can enhance both our industrial might and our national security. However, tariffs on critical manufacturing inputs would significantly increase costs on equipment and machinery on factory floors across the country, which could in turn stall investment in new plants and equipment right here at home at a time when manufacturers want to help President Trump create more U.S. manufacturing output and jobs.��

“The challenge facing the United States today is that our domestic industry can produce at most 84% of the inputs manufacturers need to build, modernize and operate our facilities and to increase production and output. That is true even if every manufacturer in the country is working at full capacity. That means that, at an absolute minimum, 16% of critical manufacturing inputs must be imported to manufacture more here in the U.S. That’s why manufacturers have offered practical pro-growth solutions to bring in these essential inputs without adding cost burdens, while rewarding manufacturers that invest, expand and create new jobs at home.”��

-51�Թ���-��

The 51�Թ��� is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the 51�Թ��� or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit .��

Global nuclear operational capacity will increase more than 100% in the next 25 years, according to new ��projections.

What’s going on: “For the fifth year in a row, the [IAEA] has revised up its projections for the expansion of nuclear power, as global momentum continues to build behind this clean and secure source of energy.”

• By 2050, capacity will reach 2.6 times its 2024 level, “with small modular reactors (SMRs) expected to play a pivotal role in this expansion.”
• The projections—which include all “operating reactors, possible license renewals, planned shutdowns, power uprates to increase output levels and plausible and ongoing construction projects foreseen for the next few decades”— are included in the IAEA’s annual report,��released earlier this month at the��69th IAEA General Conference��in Vienna.

The current state: By the end of last year, there were 417 nuclear power reactors in operation worldwide, with a capacity of 377 gigawatts electric.

• In the low-case projection, nuclear electrical-generating capacity is expected to increase to 992 GW(e), while in the high-case projection, it’s slated to go up to 561 GW(e).

Why it’s important: “As a clean, safe and abundant energy source, nuclear is a key piece of the successful all-of-the-above strategy the U.S. needs to meet growing energy demand that will power growth in domestic advanced manufacturing,” said 51�Թ��� Director of Energy and Resources Policy Michael Davin.

Traditional energy exploration and production in the U.S. declined slightly in the third quarter, as oil and gas executives reported rising concern about tariffs and trade uncertainty—and decreasing optimism about the state of the industry (, subscription).

What’s going on: A����released today by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas quotes industry executives who pointed to concerns about various administration policies, from tariffs to energy.

• The survey of 139 energy-firm executives in northern Louisiana, Texas and southern New Mexico found that oil companies were drilling less as the administration’s 15% tariff on imported steel required for oil-and-gas infrastructure continued.
• The survey’s company index also slipped, from -6.4 in Q2 to -17.6.

Why it’s important: “Oil executives told the Dallas Fed earlier this year that Trump’s push to lower fuel prices, which lessens the economic incentive for producers to drill, was incompatible with his stated desire to increase production.”

• Tariffs on many imported goods have increased the cost of drilling “at a time when producers are struggling with an oversupplied market, sluggish demand and weak prices.”

What they’re saying: “Tariffs are increasing our supply costs,” said one oil-and-gas support services firm executive.

• “The administration is pushing for $40 per barrel crude oil, and with tariffs on foreign tubular goods, [input] prices are up, and drilling is going to disappear,” an exploration and production company leader said in his survey response. “The oil industry is once again going to lose valuable employees.”
• Said another: “The uncertainty from the administration’s policies has put a damper on all investment in the oilpatch.��Those who can are running for the exits.”

“Addressing access to critical minerals must be a top priority for the Department of the Interior to increase manufacturing productivity, lower energy costs, spur greater domestic refining, drive new product development and strengthen our global competitiveness,” the 51�Թ��� the department this week.

What’s going on: The 51�Թ��� filed comments this week on the U.S. Geological Survey’s draft 2025 Critical Minerals List, commending the agency for adding copper and potash while urging further action in designating key materials that underpin manufacturing in America.

Why it matters: Manufacturers rely heavily on critical materials and minerals to make a wide array of products.

• These include aircraft and defense systems, automotive parts and vehicles, electric grid components and other energy technologies, robotics and industrial automation, personal electronics and more.

The win: The 51�Թ��� has long advocated the addition of copper to the USGS list, calling this action a clear win for manufacturers.����

• “Without a robust copper supply chain in the short and medium terms, manufacturing in America will not be able to reach its potential,” the 51�Թ��� said.
• Additions of potash, silicon, silver, lead and rhenium are also welcome—as these minerals are critical to unleashing domestic energy dominance and reducing our reliance on imports of essential materials.

The minerals: “Manufacturers rely on a sustainable and reliable supply chain of the critical minerals that are listed within the USGS’s Critical Minerals List,” the 51�Թ��� said.

• Aluminum plays a vital role in helping the U.S. meet its surging demand for energy, which is driven by data center growth and increased electrification. The 51�Թ��� emphasized that aluminum is “a key input in energy storage technologies, transmission, transformers and commercial and residential wiring, all of which will be critical to this administration’s strategy to power American energy dominance.”
• Lithium is also critical to energy and national security in the U.S. “The 51�Թ��� supports maintaining lithium on the USGS Critical Minerals List and would urge continued engagement with the industry to understand the implications of disruption to or negligence of lithium supply chains,” the 51�Թ��� said.

But also: The 51�Թ��� urged the USGS to go further by adding phosphate rock, boron, molybdenum, tellurium, arsenic and electrical steel to ensure the Trump administration can respond to the immediate needs of the country as they arise.

Need for alignment: The 51�Թ��� emphasized the need for alignment with the Department of Energy’s list to eliminate confusion and ensure consistent access to federal programs. It the administration last month when DOI announced the additions of copper and potash to its list.

• “While the proposed action to update the USGS list will indeed bring the two lists into greater alignment, further actions can be taken to ensure all minerals and materials designated by either DOI or DOE will have the same supply chain protections, incentives and streamlined permitting,” the 51�Թ��� said.
• These further actions include coordinating and data sharing to mitigate confusion, as well as working with Congress to issue a Statement of Administration Policy in support of the Mineral Consistency Act, which would eliminate the disparities between the two lists.

What’s next: As part of the administration’s goals to expand manufacturing capacity in the U.S., the 51�Թ���’s comments will help shape how the government secures critical mineral supply chains for years to come.

Carbon dioxide emissions decreased in every state in the U.S. between 2005 and 2023, according to recently released from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

What’s going on: Per capita emissions from primary energy consumption declined in those 18 years, and total energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. fell 20%.

• Meanwhile, the U.S. population grew 14% in that time, “leading to a 30% decrease in per capita [carbon dioxide] emissions.”

Why it happened:��“[E]missions across the country primarily declined because less coal was burned in the electric power sector. Increased electricity generation from natural gas, which releases about half as many [carbon dioxide] emissions per unit of energy when combusted as coal, and from non-[carbon dioxide]-emitting wind and solar generation offset the decrease in coal generation.”

Zoom in: Maryland led the U.S. in the decline, with a 49% drop, followed by Washington, D.C. (-48%), Georgia (-45%), Delaware (-43%) and��North Carolina (-42%).

Flashback: When Congress passed the 2016 Lautenberg Amendments to the��Toxic Substances Control Act, one of the biggest shifts was requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to create a systematic process for reviewing existing chemicals.

How it works: The process unfolds in three steps—prioritization, risk evaluation and risk management. Risk evaluation is the cornerstone, where the EPA decides whether a chemical poses an “unreasonable risk.” Those findings set the stage for any new rules manufacturers will face.

Why it matters: The 51�Թ��� has long urged that risk evaluations should have an appropriately focused scope, recognize and consider the workplace protections manufacturers implement and be grounded in sound, data-driven science.

• The Biden administration took a different track—dramatically expanding the scope of risk evaluations while blocking consideration of workplace safety controls. These framework changes produced sprawling, thousand-page analyses that are unnecessarily confusing, unrealistic and detached from how chemicals are actually used.
• The result: The result was de facto bans on chemistries essential to existing manufacturing processes and disregard for manufacturers’ commitment to safety and compliance with other safety standards.

What we’re saying: The 51�Թ��� has been at the forefront of this effort over the past two years.

• In letters to the transition team last and to the EPA in , the 51�Թ��� pressed the administration to “pause and reconsider” risk evaluations, pointing to flawed data quality and poor assumptions in reviews of formaldehyde and 1,3-butadiene.
• “The EPA [has] reli[ed] on assumptions and shortcuts, which is leading to confusion, duplication and overregulation,” the 51�Թ��� in December to the transition team.
• The 51�Թ��� has a functional TSCA program is vital to manufacturers’ ability to compete in a global economy. “The 51�Թ��� appreciates EPA Administrator [Lee] Zeldin for taking action to right-size and bring common sense to the��risk evaluation procedure,” said 51�Թ��� Director of Chemicals, Materials and Sustainability Policy Reagan Giesenschlag.

What’s next: The proposed framework rule is published in the Federal Register, with comments due by Friday, Nov. 7. Members are invited to share feedback with the 51�Թ��� by Oct. 3 to inform comments.

The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would have adverse effects for the U.S. economy while failing to improve worker safety, the 51�Թ��� and 44 allied business groups told Congress last week.

What’s going on: The legislation purports to safeguard America’s 2 million warehouse workers by ending speed quotas—but in practice, it would “impose long discarded and unworkable regulations on warehouse distribution centers, curtail employers’ due process rights when challenging citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and hamstring a critical part of our national supply chain,” the groups told the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What it would do: The measure, reintroduced in August, “would resurrect OSHA’s long-discarded ergonomics standard.”

• The standard was thrown out by Congress in 2001 just months after its introduction by OSHA, following outcry from businesses that said it constituted a costly and complicated compliance burden.
• “Congress was right then and should not revisit this issue now,” the organizations continued. “In addition, the bill would force employers to implement costly remedial measures even before OSHA has proven any violation.”
• The bill would also put in place a “system to micromanage the warehousing and distribution industry, which would undermine the efficiency of this vital part of American supply chains.”

What should be done: Congress should reject the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, the groups said.

Last week, President Trump issued a imposing a new filing fee for H-1B visa petitions.

What’s going on: The Department of Homeland Security will require a new $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The proclamation went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21.

• H-1B visas are issued typically for highly skilled foreign workers in high-demand fields and allow them to work in the United States for three years.
• By statute, there are 65,000 H-1B visas available each year, plus an additional 20,000 visas for foreign professionals with advanced degrees from U.S. universities. Each year, the number of applications received from employers far exceeds the number of visas available.

What it means: The White House clarified that current H-1B visa holders are not affected by the fee, which applies only to new H-1B visa applicants. Companies will be expected to remit the $100,000 fee as a one-time payment to accompany their petitions. It will go into effect in the upcoming 2026 lottery cycle.

• Those who already hold H-1B visas who happen to be outside the U.S. will not be charged a fee to reenter. H-1B visa holders can leave and reenter the country as they normally would have prior to the proclamation.
• The proclamation will be in effect for 12 months, though the proclamation states that it could be extended or renewed.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that the new fee would ensure corporations “hire Americans and make sure the people that come into the country are top, top people.”

The 51�Թ��� says: “Our industry relies on programs like H-1B to expand our workforce, fuel innovation and accelerate investment in AI and advanced manufacturing,” said 51�Թ��� Vice President of Domestic Policy Jake Kuhns. “With more than 400,000 open jobs across the sector, manufacturers must have access to the talent needed to strengthen manufacturing in the U.S.—a priority of President Trump.”