Discretely assist companies and boards of directors conducting internal audits and investigations.
International Trade & National Security Law Firm
At Torres Trade Law, we work with U.S. and international clients - from multinationals and Fortune 500 companies to medium-sized businesses and startups - to successfully import and export goods, technology, and services. We regularly assist clients navigate regulatory challenges posed by U.S. and foreign trade policies, including China tariffs, Iran sanctions, and the export of defense-related goods and controlled or emerging technologies.
In addition, our lawyers have extensive experience assisting clients with a wide range of foreign investment matters, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) administering the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 (FIRRMA).
Our lawyers regularly guide clients through myriad U.S. regulatory regimes and agencies that govern trade with the United States, including:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- The U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
- The U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)
- U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
- The Department of Defense Security Service (DSS)
- The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
To assist clients with challenges across the world, Torres Trade Law is a member of two widely recognized international associations: the International Lawyers Network, a global law firm network of more than 90 law firms in 67 countries; and Alliott Group, the world's 6th largest multidisciplinary alliance of accounting and law firms. These associations allow the firm to combine local expertise with a global reach to provide clients effective cross-border solutions.
To assist with risk advisory, complex investigations, and risk intelligence, our law firm's network also includes former intelligence officers and former senior leadership in national U.S. government security positions.
PRACTICE AREAS
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Our Approach
Torres Trade Law is driven by the principle that our clients are best served by long-term relationships built on transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness. Our goal: to provide practical, real-world international trade advice based on an in-depth understanding of each client's strategic and business objectives coupled with comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory and competitive environments in which it does business.
We have extensive experience assisting companies in a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense contractors, commercial aviation, military electronics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, food and beverage, data processing, machine tools, commercial electronics, satellite, unmanned vehicles, software and hi-tech, fashion and retail, private equity, and many others.
INSIGHTS
Torres Trade Trump Table
Date: 09/11/2025
For the latest Trump trade executive actions, please view the below Torres Trade Trump Table for important information. This table will be monitored and updated regularly. The last update occurred September 11, 2025.
Global Tariff Navigator
Date: 09/11/2025
Our Global Tariff Navigator delivers the latest U.S. tariff rates by country, updated often to reflect the ever changing trade policies - last refreshed September 11, 2025. Stay ahead of shifting trade winds!
Labor Day Shock: Court of Appeals Deals Major Blow to IEEPA Tariffs
Date: 09/04/2025
Labor Day typically signals the end of the summer season in the United States, but a recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (“CAFC”) has also signaled a potential end to the Trump tariff season as well. The CAFC decision, issued on August 29, 2025, just before the Labor Day weekend, found tariff actions implemented by the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”) to be unlawful. The subject IEEPA tariffs include two sets of actions – (1) the “Trafficking” tariffs targeting imports from Canada, Mexico, and China in response to the declared national emergency related to opioid trafficking, and (2) the “Reciprocal” tariffs imposed on imports from all countries to address the declared national emergency related to trade imbalances (collectively referred to as the “IEEPA tariff actions”).
U.S. Targets Brazil with Increased Tariffs; Brazil Readies Retaliation
Date: 09/04/2025
* This article was written in collaboration with Lucas Spadano of Brazilian law firm Madrona Advogados.
Over the past few weeks, Brazil has faced increased trade scrutiny, and President Trump has specifically targeted the largest Latin American country for additional tariffs at a level higher than almost any other country. The tariff actions will greatly impact U.S. imports of Brazilian products, including coffee, and companies doing business with Brazil. In response, Brazil has enacted new rules that establish the legal framework for potential trade retaliation. Below, we provide an overview of U.S. tariff actions against Brazil and Brazilian perspectives on these issues.
Tariff Letter and Initial Threats
Protecting America’s Data from Adversaries: DOJ Rolls Out New Data Security Program
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member & Derrick Kyle, Senior Associate
Date: 08/21/2025
The U.S. Department of Justice’s new Data Security Program (DSP) became effective on April 8, 2025, representing a major development in national security law that imposes rigorous requirements and enforcement mechanisms to protect sensitive U.S. data from foreign adversaries. The DOJ has clarified that the DSP constitutes a national security measure focused on collective risks posed by foreign adversaries, not a privacy regulation focused on individual rights.
For companies that may handle U.S. sensitive personal data or government data, is it is critical to understand the DSP’s prohibitions and restrictions, compliance demands, enforcement timelines, and potential penalties to navigate this complex regulatory landscape.
What Defense Contractors Should Know About Expanded FOCI Scrutiny
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member
Date: 08/21/2025
Section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 marks a pivotal evolution in how the Department of Defense (DoD) approaches the risks of foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) across the defense supply chain. Historically, FOCI evaluations were reserved for defense contractors and subcontractors who required access to classified information, with compliance obligations largely tied to the clearance requirements set forth by the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM).
However, with Section 847, Congress has significantly broadened the reach of these regulations. In response, the DoD is finalizing a new Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) rule that will operationalize these changes—potentially affecting tens of thousands of contractors who never previously faced such scrutiny.