Insights on International Trade & Investment

In addition to navigating the Trump Administration’s ever-changing international trade policy through the use of existing (e.g., Section 301, Section 232, etc.) and novel (e.g., International Emergency Economic Powers Act, reciprocal) tariffs, US importers now must also be cognizant of the increased use of the False Claims Act (FCA) to enforce against customs fraud.

On February 25, President Trump issued an executive order (EO) requiring the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) to investigate the national security implications of the copper supply chain. The investigation will be based on section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

ArentFox Schiff professionals will discuss recent matters that directly impact the life sciences industry and its trajectory.

On January 20, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded 2021 guidelines that prohibited immigration enforcement actions in or near medical and health care facilities and other protected areas. Hospitals and other health care facilities should consider the impact this policy change may have on their workforces and patient populations and develop appropriate protocols for responding to an immigration enforcement action on their premises.

Join Angela Santos for an insightful webinar on how the new presidential administration taking office in January 2025 could impact the fashion industry.

In 2025, the retail and fashion industries are bracing for a transformative year, heavily influenced by the policies of the new Trump Administration. These policies promise rapid and significant changes, particularly in areas such as trade, tariffs, and immigration, which will profoundly affect global supply chains and labor dynamics.

Welcome to the February 2025 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.

Join Mario Torrico for a panel organized by Asociación Nacional de Comercio Exterior (ANALDEX) and CID-Pro Consulting S.A.S.

In an unprecedented and highly fluid series of US trade announcements emanating from Washington, DC, the latest Executive Orders (EOs) announced this past Friday and this week’s EO on steel imports did little to calm c-suite jitters.

This inaugural issue of ArentFox Schiff’s publication on international mining, energy, and infrastructure disputes aims to provide insights and practical information to general counsels and senior executives of companies operating internationally, particularly in countries that present challenging economic and political conditions for doing business.

This podcast comes on the heels of a whirlwind weekend of tariff headlines from Washington, DC, and reactions around the globe. It begins with news of the tariff “reprieve” for imports from Canada and Mexico and quickly turns to the impact of such tariffs on the North American vehicle and vehicle parts industries.

ArentFox Schiff’s Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force published its first annual report last year to help multinational companies navigate the complexities of forced labor laws in the United States and in countries around the world. Since our last report, forced labor enforcement has developed rapidly, with many of our predictions materializing in 2024.

As of this writing on February 3, the president’s long awaited new tariffs have been officially announced via Executive Orders (EOs) from the White House for Canada, Mexico, and China. They confirm media reports of new 25% tariffs for imports from Canada (except energy resources) and Mexico and 10% for imports from China entered on and after February 4. Canadian energy resources will be subject to a 10% tariff. The rates of duty are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles.

President Trump is focused on immigration compliance, including I-9 compliance. The federal Form I-9 is the form that every employer has to complete for every paid employee within their first three days of employment.

Join Ucheora Onwuamaegbu as he speaks on a panel at the American Society of International Law Conference.

At the Oval Office signing ceremony on January 20, President Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. The following day, President Trump extended this tariff threat to include additional 10% tariffs on goods from China, further escalating trade tensions with these key trading partners. According to Trump, the tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico will take effect on February 1. However, there is still uncertainty about whether this deadline will be met or if it is being used as a negotiation tactic.

Health Care Practice Leader Douglas A. Grimm was quoted by Law360, urging hospital leaders and lawyers across the country to start implementing new strategies after the Trump Administration pulled back a Biden Administration 2021 directive to avoid immigration enforcement at certain locations, including hospitals.

The US Customs Agency, established in 1789 under the US Department of the Treasury, has undergone significant transformations throughout its history. Initially focused on revenue collection and trade regulation, the agency’s role expanded to include national security functions following its integration into the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003 pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2022 (HSA).

President Trump has been explicit in his focus on immigration compliance and enforcement. Employers should expect increased workplace enforcement actions, including US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and unannounced workplace enforcement actions.

The United States has prevailed in a dispute against Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) concerning genetically modified (GM) corn.

It is that time of year again when employers have to decide who they are sponsoring for an H-1B visa.

Join International Trade & Investment associates James Kim and Mario Torrico for an in-person event with the Professional Association of Exporters and Importers.

Join Leah Scarpelli and former US Congressman Philip English for a Canadian Institute of Steel Construction webinar.

International Trade & Investment associate Mario Torrico will join a panel discussion at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Law Vegas, NV on January 19, 2025.

As President-elect Trump continues to shape his economic plan with significant tariff policies, it’s crucial for businesses to stay informed about the potential risks and opportunities his announcements may bring.