International Trade Law News & Publications

Magnifying glass over documents with 'Fraud Detected' message.

A New Era of Trade Fraud Enforcement

By: Adrienne Braumiller, Founder of Braumiller Law Group

The new DHS/DOJ Trade Fraud Resource Guide should resonate across the trade ecosystem, especially for importers, Customs brokers, and in-house counsel.
What makes the Guide so notable is not just the substance, but the framing. Trade fraud is no longer being discussed as a narrow customs issue or a technical filing problem. It is being presented as an economic security issue, a public safety issue, a supply chain integrity issue, and a forced labor issue. That shift has practical consequences for everyone involved in moving goods into the United States.

Iran and USA flags painted on fists facing each other.

The Iran War: A New Shock to Global Trade

By: James R. Holbein, Of Counsel, and Francesca Jaubert, Summer Law Clerk, Braumiller Law Group

The war with Iran is being fought with missiles, aircraft and naval forces, but some of its most consequential effects are disruptions impacting energy markets, international shipping, insurance, supply chains, and prices, while adding another layer of sanctions and tariff risk to international trade. The result is particularly significant because the Strait of Hormuz, at the center of the conflict, is one of the most important arteries in world commerce.

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The Local in the Global: Legislation for an Exceptional Economy

By: Gavin Andersen, Associate Attorney, Braumiller Law Group

A municipal government’s use of emergency powers might seem inconsequential, but it contributes to many communities’ accumulation of debt, housing and commercial space that is affordable to hypothetical residents but not actual ones, surveillance cameras, empty offices and strip malls, and contractual commitments to data centers and private prisons – all without any meaningful public involvement.

Cargo ship navigating waterways with security icons and data flow.

Waterways, Canals, and Straits, and What Clear Passage Means to Global Trade Survival

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

There are about 200 straits worldwide, but only 18–20 of them actually matter for global trade, and 9 are considered truly critical choke points. So, these are the straits/canals where closure would cause (and is currently causing) massive global economic shock: Strait of Malacca, Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Bab elMandeb, Strait of Gibraltar, Bosphorus Strait, Danish Straits, and of course, the ever-impending blockage of the Taiwan Strait.

Shaking hands with American and Canadian flags, symbolizing trade relations.

Trade Alert: Trump Administration Announces 50% Tariffs on Certain Canadian Products Effective August 19

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

On July 20, 2026, President Donald Trump announced that his administration will impose additional 50% ad valorem duties on a range of Canadian products, effective 12:01 a.m. ET on August 19, 2026. The announcement came via three separate proclamations that claimed Canadian discrimination against U.S. commerce in dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and motor vehicles, respectively.

Businessman revealing a blue 'CTPAT' emblem like a superhero symbol.

The CTPAT Ultimatum: New EO Ties Entry Filing Privileges to CTPAT Validation Status

By: Judy Davis, Senior Trade Advisor, Braumiller Consulting Group

A sweeping new White House Executive Order is set to once again shake up global supply chains by requiring a historic overhaul of the U.S. Importer of Record (IOR) framework. It lays out raising penalty floors, and tightening disclosure rules for everyone bringing goods into the United States, among other things.

Customs Enforcement Overhaul: What Importers and Brokers Need to Do Now

By: Adrienne Braumiller, Founder of Braumiller Law Group and Anthony DiBello, Law Clerk

On June 3, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14411, “Strengthening Customs Enforcement,” directing the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to tighten importer eligibility, increase disclosure obligations, and expand enforcement measures across the U.S. import system.

Origin Engineering: How Substantial Transformation Can Reduce Your Tariff Exposure

By: Kerry Wang, Senior Associate, Braumiller Law Group

“Origin Engineering” refers to modifying the sourcing of essential product inputs or relocating key manufacturing processes from countries subject to higher tariff rates to jurisdictions with more favorable trade treatment. It is one of the most effective tools available to importers navigating elevated tariff exposure.

Contracts and Purchase Orders in Mexico – Their Role in Demonstrating Customs Compliance and the Substance of Foreign Trade Transactions

For: Brenda Cordova and Francisco de la Cruz Braumiller Law Group Mexico Legal Counsel

Mexico’s customs and foreign trade legal framework has evolved toward a stricter and more controlled compliance model.

A US Departure From the USMCA. Is That Even Worthy of Discussion?

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

Yes, regarding this particular topic I am immediately surrounded by all of those external voices, even internal, telling me of how ridiculous it would be for the US to follow through and pull out of the USMCA. My response of course is noting that I probably wouldn’t have given the topic a second thought had the President of the United States not mentioned that this was a consideration regarding the upcoming July 2026 USMCA review.

SCOTUS Denies Petition to Review Federal Circuit’s Ruling on Section 301 Lists 3 and 4A Tariffs

By: Brandon French, Senior Associate and Anthony DiBello, Law Clerk Braumiller Law Group

On June 15, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for a writ of certiorari in the case of HMTX Industries LLC v. United States. The petition came in response to the Federal Circuit’s decision to uphold use of tariffs against China under Lists 3 and 4A of Section 301 during the first Trump Administration.

IEEPA Tariff Refunds and the U.S. Government’s Appeal: Where the Litigation Stands, and What it Means for Importers

By: Brandon French, Senior Associate and Anthony DiBello, Law Clerk Braumiller Law Group

After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs as unconstitutional in February 2026, the Court tasked the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) with developing refund procedures for importers who paid IEEPA tariffs.

USTR Report Proposes Section 301 Tariffs of 10%, 12.5% on Major Trading Partners

By: Brandon French, Senior Associate and Anthony DiBello, Law Clerk Braumiller Law Group

On June 2, 2026, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released its report on Section 301 investigations into the practices of sixty trade partners’ economies with regard to forced labor prohibitions.

Fraud detection concept with magnifying glass over financial documents and a "Fraud Detected" alert.

Updates to DOJ and CBP Trade Fraud Task Force

By Jennifer Horvath, Partner at Braumiller Law Group

The Trade Fraud Task Force, established last year, is gaining even more teeth. The Trade Fraud Task Force (Task Force) is a cross-agency effort established in August 2025 between the DOJ and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs or CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

A torn blue paper with "EXECUTIVE ORDER" text on white background.

New Executive Order Strengthening CBP Enforcement

By: Vicky Wu, Partner, and Francesca Jaubert, Summer Intern, Braumiller Law Group

President Trump signed the new Executive Order “Strengthening Customs Enforcement.” This new order from the administration tackles different administrative priorities related to customs: Customs Reform and Combatting Customs Fraud. The order-related fact sheet goes into detail about how the Executive Order addresses these objectives and how this will affect importers moving forward.