According to President Trump, “Tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary.” Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump promised to use tariffs as a central part of his foreign policy strategy. His America First Trade Policy memorandum also directs the administration to review various tariff- and tariff-adjacent levers the United States could use to further
Michael Lowell
FCC announces enforcement case relating to Team Telecom commitments
- On January 8, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its first enforcement action based on a failure to comply with Team Telecom Letter of Agreement (LOA) commitments.
- After violating the terms of a Team Telecom LOA by failing to screen foreign person employees and allowing foreign person employees to access U.S.
Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act reporting requirements
- On December 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) relating to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA), specifically to address the increased national security attention to foreign ownership and substantial control of agricultural land.
- AFIDA requires certain foreign persons to report interests
Tariff refunds: What U.S. importers should know as the Supreme Court weighs the tariffs’ legality
During the Supreme Court’s oral argument in Learning Resources v. Trump last month, Justice Barrett asked counsel for the private plaintiffs about the tariff refund process if his clients prevail. After some back and forth, she summarized: “So a mess?”
Although the Court has not yet announced when an opinion may be released, entries subject…
Navigating international trade: why developing a global customs valuation policy is a must for luxury brands
The distinctive features that set a luxury brand’s products apart aren’t created only on the factory floor. For example, a company’s sketches from Paris, R&D in Milan, and artisanal prototypes perfected in Tokyo all flow into the production line. These upstream inputs (known as assists) must be carefully managed to avoid issues when the final…
BIS adopts 50% rule to cover affiliates of listed entities
On September 29, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an interim final rule expanding its controls under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) to cover foreign entities owned directly or indirectly, individually or in aggregate, 50% or more by one or more persons listed on (1) the Entity List, (2) the Military End-User (MEU) List, or (3) the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) designated under a program listed in 15 C.F.R. § 744.8(a)(1) (collectively, “Listed Persons”). BIS is referring to these new controls as the Affiliates Rule.
Exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) to foreign entities captured by the Affiliates Rule will be subject to the most restrictive license requirements, license exception eligibility, and license review policy applicable to their owners. The Affiliates Rule is effective immediately.Continue Reading BIS adopts 50% rule to cover affiliates of listed entities
Antitrust considerations amid shifting tariffs
With tariffs and trade measures continuing to reshape global markets, companies are navigating how best to respond, often considering price and supply chain adjustments as part of the process. As antitrust enforcers scrutinize competitor conduct, our antitrust and international trade teams have collaborated to launch a two-part podcast series, focusing on the practical impact of…
BIS relaxes export controls on Syria
- New License
CFIUS annual report for 2024: Key takeaways
On August 6, 2025, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) released its annual report to Congress for calendar year 2024. This annual publication includes the 325 covered transactions—consisting of 209 written notices and 116 declarations—that were filed for CFIUS’s review last year.
CFIUS is an interagency committee authorized to review…
DOJ dedicates significant resources to priority of investigating and prosecuting tariff evasion
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is reshaping the Criminal Division’s white-collar program to focus on tariff and trade fraud. In the past months, DOJ has significantly narrowed the scope of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement. Now, DOJ is dedicating significant additional resources and attention to tariff evasion. On July 10, acting Assistant Attorney General of…