Insights on International Trade & Investment

Join Angela Santos as she speaks on a panel at PV ModuleTech’s upcoming conference.

On May 23, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Syria General License (GL) 25, “Authorizing Transactions Prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations or Involving Certain Blocked Persons,” following President Trump’s May 13 announcement.

On May 28, a three-judge panel on the US Court of International Trade (CIT) issued a landmark ruling in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. et al. v. United States of America et al. and The State of Oregon et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al.

They say, “timing is everything.” This podcast comes to our listeners as Washington, DC, contemplates next moves on the US tariff front, including new tariffs on products key to the e-mobility sector.

ArentFox Schiff is pleased to announce that Megan Gajewski Barnhill has joined the firm as a partner in the International Trade & Investment practice in Washington, DC. Megan’s practice focuses on helping companies navigate complex regulatory matters related to international business transactions and national security.

As we approach midyear, the ArentFox Schiff Labor, Employment & OSHA team highlights some of the most pressing legal issues facing employers this year, including artificial intelligence (AI) regulation at the state level, reshaping of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), continuing expansion of state paid family and medical leave laws, challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, and changes to US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance and enforcement.

Welcome to the May 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.

President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) banning athletes assigned male at birth from competing in women’s sports. This applies to sports competitions within both educational institutions and athletic associations.

On May 12, the United States and the People’s Republic of China announced a temporary 90-day agreement to roll back some of the reciprocal tariffs increases imposed in April.

The current Administration is enforcing a law initially enacted in 1940 which requires certain foreign nationals to register with the US government and always carry proof of their registration. There are penalties for violating these requirements, and there is a new form to use for such registration.

Join Angela Santos at the American Apparel & Footwear Association 2025 Global Supply Chain & Trade Conference.

Join Joy Marie Virga on a panel at the Food Policy Impact 2025 conference.

Kay Georgi speaks on a panel at the Inter-Pacific Bar Association Annual Meeting and Conference.

Customs & Import Compliance Practice Leader Angela Santos was quoted on how importers are strategizing to lessen their liability under the Trump Administration’s tariffs.

On April 1, the US Secretary of Commerce initiated a section 232 “national security” investigation, “to determine the effects on national security of imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), and their derivative products. This includes, among other things, semiconductor substrates and bare wafers, legacy chips, leading-edge chips, microelectronics, and SME components. Derivative products include downstream products that contain semiconductors, such as those that make up the electronics supply chain.”

Effective April 5, the United States imposed a 10% baseline tariff on imports from nearly all countries, excluding products from Canada and Mexico, and those products contained in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Column 2 and the Annex II list attached to Executive Order 14257. In contrast, Chinese imports are subject an increased 125% reciprocal tariff rate, combined with 20% International Emergency Economic Powers Act duty rate in effect since March 4.

Join Antonio Rivera for a roundtable discussion at the Battery Show South.

Welcome to the April 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.

In a recent discussion at SupplySide Connect in Secaucus, Associate Mario Torrico addressed the impact of tariffs on global supply chains.

As the first quarter comes to a close, the ArentFox Schiff Hospitality Industry team reviews 10 of the most pressing legal issues for hospitality companies for 2025.

Join Mario Torrico for a panel at SupplySide Connect New Jersey.

James Kim was quoted on how the Trump Administration’s new 25% tariffs on cars and auto parts are prompting automakers and suppliers to reassess the North American automotive supply chain.

The Trump Administration’s latest tariff announcements are set to send shockwaves through the fashion and retail sectors, potentially upending supply chains industry wide. Consumers can expect higher costs for their favorite apparel, footwear, handbags, and accessories.

Health Care Practice Leader Douglas A. Grimm was quoted by Relias Media, urging hospitals and health care providers to prepare for potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids at their locations, following the Trump administration’s revocation of policies that previously made hospitals off-limits for immigration enforcement.

On March 26, the Trump Administration announced a sweeping new trade action: a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and certain automobile parts from all countries, under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.