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
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
EU Steel safeguard overhaul: Our views on the key implications of the new tariff-rate quota regime, expected to go live on 1 July 2026
Background
With the existing EU steel safeguard expiring on 30 June 2026, the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council addressing the negative trade‑related effects of global overcapacity on the Union steel market (COM(2025) 726) (the new steel measures) is designed to replace the existing safeguard measures and would instal
Podcast: The SCOTUS IEEPA ruling—Europe’s response and what it means for business
When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, the effects were felt far beyond American shores. European policymakers and businesses are now grappling with what this judicial turning point means for transatlantic commerce.
In the second instalment of our
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
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
What are the three key points you need to know about the European Commission’s proposal on steel?
On 7 October 2025, the European Commission presented a proposal for a new regulation to introduce rigorous trade measures on steel entering the EU market. The proposal is subject to the ordinary legislative procedure, under which the European Parliament and the Council act as co‑legislators to amend and ultimately adopt the text. We therefore expect
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