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
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
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 May 8, 2025.
First Quarter Foreign Direct Investment Updates
On February 21, 2025, the Trump administration published its “America First Investment Policy” memorandum. Among other items, the Policy calls for the United States to restrict China-affiliated persons from investing in strategic sectors of the U.S economy, create an expedited “fast track” process to facilitate investment from specific allied partners, and establish new rules to prevent U.S. companies from investing in industries that advance China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy.
Understanding the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security’s Entity List and Unverified List: Overview and Removal Process
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) plays a critical role in protecting U.S. national security and advancing foreign policy objectives through its regulation of U.S. exports. Two important tools in BIS's enforcement arsenal are the Entity List and the Unverified List (“UVL”). These lists identify foreign persons and organizations that present potential risks to U.S. national security and impose restrictions on U.S. exporters’ ability to do business with those entities. Inclusion on either list can have significant commercial and reputational consequences. However, listed parties do have avenues to seek removal through formal procedures.
This article provides an overview of the BIS Entity List and Unverified List, the implications of being listed, and basic procedures for seeking removal from these lists.
Trump Tariff Survival Guide
With U.S. trade policy constantly evolving and Customs enforcement increasing, importers face more pressure than ever to ensure customs compliance from the beginning. One misstep – whether it is a misclassified product, an incorrect origin declaration, or a mistaken claim under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”) or any other preferential treatment claim– can lead to costly penalties, shipping delays, and harm to your company’s reputation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP” or “Customs”) adopts a strict approach to enforcement related to product classification accuracy and origin eligibility that requires importers to be vigilant in their compliance efforts. This guide outlines the most common mistakes importers make and how they can be avoided to maintain smooth trade operations and a clear supply chain.
Trump Addresses Tariff Stacking and Provides Some Relief to Automakers
On April 29, the Trump administration published two actions, an Executive Order (EO) and a Proclamation, announcing amendments to the current convoluted tariff situation. The EO describes when and how various tariff actions are applied cumulatively, or “stack,” and the Proclamation amends the tariff regime for automobiles and automobile parts, described (as initially implemented) in our previous trade alert. Together, these measures clarify, adjust, and in some cases reduce, the tariff burdens on the U.S. automotive sector and some other importers.
Semiconductor Tariff Exclusions & New Section 232 Investigations
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.