- Covered contractors determined to be under FOCI
National security meets the farm bill: Key provisions in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
On April 30, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567). The legislation extends agricultural programs through 2031 and contains significant national security elements, beyond the headline coverage of food stamp cuts and pesticide liability changes. Notably, the bill does not impose a sweeping ban
Tariff-refund class actions on the rise: What brands and retailers need to know
As U.S. Customs and Border Protection prepares to launch Phase 1 of its streamlined tariff refund process on April 20, a wave of consumer class action lawsuits is targeting brands, retailers, and importers seeking tariff-related payouts. Because consumers will not directly receive government refunds, plaintiffs across the country are filing putative class actions against major
Podcast: What comes next? Trump tariffs after the SCOTUS decision
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent 6-3 ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump marks a pivotal moment for international trade—but for importers, the questions are only beginning.
In our latest podcast episode, Michael Lowell and Justin Angotti break down what this decision means for businesses navigating the evolving tariff landscape. They discuss what may happen
SCOTUS strikes down IEEPA tariffs; leaves refund question open
Earlier today, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump. By a 6-3 majority, the Court held that the phrase “regulate . . . importation,” as used in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), does not include the power to impose tariffs.
As a result of the Court’s ruling
EU-Mercosur: Key developments shaping the trade agreement
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape marked by rising tensions and global economic challenges, the European Union is accelerating efforts to diversify its trade partnerships. One of the most significant recent developments is the signing of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA, or the Agreement) and the Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) on 17 January 2026
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