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: 04/24/2025
For the latest Trump trade executive actions, please view the below Trump Trade Table for important information. This table will be monitored and updated regularly. The last update occurred April 24, 2025.
Semiconductor Tariff Exclusions & New Section 232 Investigations
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member, Derrick Kyle, Senior Associate, and Camille Edwards, Associate
Date: 04/17/2025
This article provides an overview of the most recent tariff updates affecting businesses operating within the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, and critical mineral industries. Below we outline recent tariff exclusions for semiconductor products and new investigations into certain semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals which can lead to higher tariffs for these product groups. Industries affected by the newly launched investigations should consider filing a public comment.
Trade Alert: Up to 170% Tariffs on Certain Chinese-Origin Goods
Date: 04/10/2025
On April 9, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order “Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment” (“the E.O.”) amending prior executive orders imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on all imports of foreign-origin goods pursuant to the President’s authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). The E.O. announced partial relief from the new reciprocal tariffs for all U.S. trading partners, except for China, which will now be subject to a total tariff rate of up to 170%.
90-Day Pause on Country-Specific Tariff Rates
High Reciprocal Tariffs Announced on “Worst Offenders,” 10% on All Other Countries
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member, Derrick Kyle, Senior Associate
Date: 04/03/2025
On April 2, 2025, President Trump announced long-awaited reciprocal tariffs on imports of foreign goods into the United States. This action follows the President’s recent announcement on March 26, 2025, of a 25% tariff on imports of automobiles and automobile parts.
Additional 25% Tariff on Auto Imports
By: Derrick Kyle, Senior Associate, Camille Edwards, Associate
Date: 04/02/2025
On March 26, 2025, President Trump issued a Proclamation announcing the imposition of a 25% tariff on imported automobiles set to become effective on April 3, 2025, and certain automotive parts, set to become effective no later than May 3, 2025. These automotive tariffs will follow what the President has dubbed “Liberation Day” (i.e., April 2, 2025), the day new reciprocal and sectoral tariffs are planned to go into effect on a wide range of imports from various countries.[1]
U.S. Implements Tariffs on Mexican and Canadian Goods… Unless They Qualify for USMCA
By: Olga Torres, Managing Member, Derrick Kyle, Senior Associate
Date: 03/11/2025
Just two days after the tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian products became effective, on March 6, President Trump announced amendments to the tariffs against Mexico and Canada “to minimize disruption to the United States automotive industry and automotive workers.” Specifically, the amendments provide that the tariffs would not apply to goods that qualify for preferential treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The amendments also lowered the duty rate for non-qualifying imports of potash from Canada and Mexico. (For background on the tariffs and retaliation, see our earlier article, U.S. Implements New Tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China.)