News & Publications - Braumiller Law Group

The End of De Minimis Section 321 Clearances

By Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel, Braumiller Law Group

Prior to August 29 of this year, 19 USC 321 – popularly known as a Section or de minimis clearance – allowed imported shipments valued at less than $800 to enter the US free of duty and entry requirements. The idea behind this was (1) the cost of processing an entry and duty payment would be more than the duty collected, and (2) setting the threshold at this level would promote eCommerce. It would also allow US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to use its resources more effectively.

Sheinbaum Proposals to Amend the Mx Customs Law and LIGIE

By: Brenda Cordova and Brendita Cordova, Braumiller Law Group Mexico Legal Counsel

From a Mexican resident’s perspective, who is also involved in international trade, it appears that since the Trump administration took office, the global economic scenario has been altered by an escalating trade war, characterized by the imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government, on a range of countries. These measures, intended to safeguard the U.S. interests, have affected the relationships with certain international markets, as the U.S. is showing signs of progressive isolationist practices.

Sanctions, Bans, and Tariffs How The U.S. is Fueling Chinese Innovation

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

Just look at the current landscape of how China has been innovating through various trade related sanctions, bans, and tariffs. Necessity has always been the mother of invention, and in the case of China and the never-ending western pressure it has also been the catalyst in many cases for that which ultimately drives them to create and overcome.

As the U.S. Pushes For More Protectionism, Global Trade Turns to Another Obvious Option- China

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

Here we are. August 1st, 2025, and the media is now publishing what facts they have on the various trade deals as well as those that have yet to come to fruition, in addition to the new announcement of imposed global tariffs which range anywhere from 10% to 41%, Yes, the trade world is on fire from a U.S. perspective. CNN, my “go-to” is reporting that the Trump Administration is imposing tariffs on over 60 countries around the globe.

Japan and U.S. Trade Agreement

By Jennifer Horvath, Partner at Braumiller Law Group

After challenging negotiations and rising tariff tensions, the U.S. and Japan have reached a trade deal. This agreement precedes the August 1st tariff deadline, preventing a scheduled 25% tariff increase on Japanese products. The deal includes substantial Japanese investments in the U.S.

GENIUS Act Establishes Legal Framework for Payment Stablecoins

By: James R. Holbein, Of Counsel, Braumiller Law Group and Justin Holbein Web3 Developer

The President signed into law the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins of 2025’or ‘‘GENIUS Act of 2025’” (the Act) on July 18, 2025. The new law establishes a basis for regulators to permit a variety of bank and non-bank entities to issue payment stablecoins that will be used for payments and reserves for a variety of purposes. This analysis covers the major provisions of the new law.

Trade Letters and Tariff Deals – What Is Going On?

By: James R. Holbein, Of Counsel, Braumiller Law Group

Since taking office on January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration has undertaken an aggressive trade policy that has impacted, and will continue to impact, all countries trading with the US. Many of the actions seek to reverse the established principles of trade policy that have been supported by both political parties, enshrined in the rules of international agreements and organizations, and regulated by executive branch agencies since the end of World War II.

Mexico’s Evolving Trade Scenario Amidst Global Tariff Tensions

Behind the Numbers: My Transformative Internship Journey at SAT (Tax Administration Service)

By: Brenda Noyola Cordova, Intern, BLG Mexico Legal Counsel

My internship in Mexico was with the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), the office responsible for applying tax and customs legislation, which facilitates trade through customs administration. With its influence extending across both the public and private sectors, SAT stands at the forefront of Mexico’s efforts to promote transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility. My internship experience within this institution offered invaluable insights into its operations and the impact it has on the nation’s economic landscape.

The U.S. Effort to Keep AI Out of China’s Hands

By: Olivia Van Pelt, Law Clerk at Braumiller Law Group

It comes as no surprise China has been a major focus point of the second Trump administration. One of the key reasons for this focus is the increasing national security concerns over technology. In particular, the smuggling of AI chips, which China intends to use in developing advanced AI systems for military purposes and surveillance.

Trade Wars & Sanctions – The New Trade Order

By: Adrienne Braumiller, Founder of Braumiller Law Group, and Olivia Van Pelt, Law Clerk at Braumiller Law Group

Question 1: How are you advising businesses in your jurisdiction when protecting themselves from the impact of trade wars and sanctions, and what strategies can professional services firms offer to mitigate these risks?

Rare Earth Minerals, and China’s Global Dominance

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

If I heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times, China is the sourcing capital of the world. I’ve also repeated this statement at least 400+ times in many conversations over the years regarding global trade. China, it’s also where the global market goes for rare earth minerals, among thousands of other necessary elements for a veritable plethora of life’s essential things.

Tariffs and the Future of U.S. Beef

By: Brandon French, Senior Associate, and Olivia Van Pelt, Law Clerk at Braumiller Law Group

On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs, setting a baseline rate of 10% on imports from all countries, with higher rates on dozens of countries which the United States (U.S.) runs trade deficits. Specifically, Trump imposed a 34% tariff on all Chinese imports in response to China’s 67% tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports, aiming to address what he sees as an unfair trade imbalance.

U.S.-China Trade Relations: An Update on Tariffs

By: Brandon French, Senior Associate, and Olivia Van Pelt, Law Clerk at Braumiller Law Group

Since Trump’s first term, tensions between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies, have been on the rise. President Trump ran for his second presidential term on a promise to reduce reliance on China – and promise kept. In one of his first Presidential actions, President Trump issued an “America First Trade Policy” memorandum dedicating an entire section to trade relations with China. Since then, several tariffs have been imposed on Chinese goods and the duty-free de minimis treatment for goods valued at $800 or less ended.

Section 232 Investigation of Commercial Aircraft, Jet Engines and Parts

By Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel, Braumiller Law Group

In a recent Federal Register notice the Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce announced that “On May 1, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of commercial aircraft and jet engines, and parts for commercial aircraft and jet engines. This investigation has been initiated under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended (Section 232).” The investigation may take up to 270 days but it can be concluded sooner.