In memoriam: Sue Thomas Hooks

December 4, 2025  |  Industry News, News

Sue Thomas Hooks, 95, died Nov. 23, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Hooks and her late husband, Maurice Wayne Hooks, founded Chair and Equipment Rentals in Charlotte in 1958. That business later grew to become Party Reflections, a regional brand with locations across North and South Carolina. Hooks wo…
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Washington adopts new PFAS restrictions

December 2, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The Washington State Department of Ecology has adopted new restrictions on intentionally added PFAS in consumer products, building upon existing PFAS restrictions. “With this rule, Washington continues to stand firmly on the side of public health. As health impacts and cleanup costs from PFAS co…
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EPA proposes shift in TSCA PFAS reporting policy, opens rule for public comment

November 19, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule outlining amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), which regulates the reporting and recordkeeping requirements for PFAS. The regulation requires manufacturers and importers of PFAS between 2011 and 2022 to report…
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President Trump announces trade agreements with China, Thailand and Malaysia

November 1, 2025  |  Industry News, News

U.S. President Donald Trump has reached an agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding U.S.-China trade relations. As part of the agreement, the U.S. will lower its cumulative tariff rate on Chinese imports by 10%, beginning on Nov. 10. In addition, the country’s heightened reciproca…
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California Gov. Newsom vetoes PFAS bill

October 27, 2025  |  Industry News, News

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed California Senate Bill 682, which would have prohibited the distribution, sale or offering for sale of certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS, beginning Jan. 1, 2028. These products include cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging an…
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Minnesota judge disapproves PFAS reporting and fees proposed rule

September 11, 2025  |  Industry News, News

Jim Mortenson, a Minnesota Administrative Law Judge, issued a report Aug. 28 on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s proposed rule on reporting PFAS in products and associated fees. The judge stated his disapproval of the proposed rule due to the agency’s “failure to assess the cumulative …
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President Trump issues tariff rate modifications

September 6, 2025  |  Industry News, News

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued further modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), effective Sept. 8. The changes were issued in the Sept. 5 Executive Order “Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and S…
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India extends import duty exemption on cotton until December

September 6, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The Indian government announced Aug. 28 that the country will extend its import duty exemption on cotton until Dec. 31. Previously, the exemption was to be in effect until ⁠Sept. 30. The exemption reduces the import duty on cotton from 11% to 0%. The decision was informed by the Indian Central Boa…
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US EPA takes action to fix DEF deficiencies

September 3, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new action that aims to protect American farmers, truckers and other diesel equipment operators from sudden speed and power losses caused by diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems. EPA issued guidance urging engine and equipment manufacturers …
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U.S. Department of Commerce adds 407 product categories to steel and aluminum tariffs

August 20, 2025  |  Industry News, News

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Aug. 19 that 407 product categories will be added to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by Section 232 tariffs. The steel and aluminum content of these products will be subject to a duty rate of 50%. Product categories a…
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