Ngosong Fonkem

Partner
Ngosong Fonkem, Amundsen Davis LLC Photo

Overview

“Companies operating globally need more than answers to regulatory questions. They need someone who understands how trade policy, geopolitics, and supply chain decisions intersect.”

Global trade regulations, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions can create significant business risk for companies operating across borders. Ngosong advises manufacturers, technology companies, energy businesses, logistics providers, and other multinational organizations navigate the legal and regulatory issues that shape international commerce. Working closely with executives, in-house counsel, and compliance leaders, he helps organizations manage risk, adapt to changing trade requirements, and make informed decisions that support business objectives in a complex global marketplace.

International Business Transactions

Ngosong advises companies on the legal and regulatory considerations that accompany international growth. He works with organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions to navigate cross-border transactions, address operational challenges, and align legal strategy with business goals. Drawing on his experience in international trade and global business, he helps clients pursue opportunities across international markets while managing the complexities of doing business globally.

Geopolitical Risk Management

Business leaders are increasingly making decisions amid geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty. Drawing on his background in trade, global business, and public policy, Ngosong counsels companies on the business impact of trade policies, government actions, and global events affecting operations, supply chains, investments, and growth strategies.

His practice frequently involves U.S.-China trade relations and the broader challenges created by geopolitical competition. He provides strategic guidance on evolving trade policies and regulatory developments, helping leadership teams evaluate risk and respond to changing market conditions.

Tariffs and Import Compliance

Tariffs, customs requirements, and import regulations can directly affect supply chain strategy, sourcing decisions, and operating costs. Ngosong advises companies on customs and import compliance matters, helping them manage tariff and duty obligations while strengthening trade compliance programs.

He counsels businesses on customs classifications, duty mitigation strategies, import and export compliance requirements, and regulatory issues affecting the movement of goods across borders. He also advises organizations on domestic sourcing requirements, including the Buy American Act, and other trade-related obligations that can affect procurement and supply chain decisions.

Export Controls and Trade Compliance

As governments continue to expand export controls, sanctions programs, and other trade restrictions, companies face increasing scrutiny of their international activities. Ngosong advises U.S. and international businesses on the trade compliance obligations that affect global operations and cross-border commerce.

He guides organizations through evolving regulatory frameworks and compliance challenges while keeping business objectives in focus.

Why Clients Choose Ngosong

  • Translates Geopolitical Developments Into Business Decisions. Ngosong's background in international trade, global business, and public policy enables him to connect regulatory developments to their real-world impact. Clients benefit from guidance that considers what the law requires today and how evolving trade policies and geopolitical trends may affect future business decisions.
  • Connects Trade Strategy and Supply Chain Operations. With experience spanning international trade and maritime commerce, Ngosong understands the legal, regulatory, and logistical issues that affect how goods move across global supply chains. This perspective helps companies evaluate trade compliance decisions in the context of sourcing, transportation, procurement, and business continuity.
  • Global Perspective on Cross-Border Challenges. Ngosong regularly advises on matters involving multiple jurisdictions, regulatory regimes, and international stakeholders, providing valuable insight for companies navigating legal and business issues that extend beyond a single country or regulatory framework.

Experience

Customs Duty Reduction and Trade Cost Optimization

  • Secured reductions in U.S. customs duties for equipment imported from Europe, Asia, and Latin America
  • Represents U.S. importers and foreign manufacturers in antidumping and countervailing duty cases before the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission

Export Control and Economic Sanctions

  • Counsel foreign clients on compliance with the U.S. and EU on global trade, import/export control, and sanctions laws applicable to their international transactions, including:
    • Assisted South Africa’s state-owned oil company with U.S. sanctions compliance relating to investment tender on the refurbishment of a gas-to-liquids (GTL) oil refinery
    • Guided a Russian uranium company and other Russian entities in releasing blocked funds from U.S. banks under OFAC regulations
    • Guided a Russian engineering, procurement, and construction company on U.S. and UK sanctions concerning a suspension of supplier contract by its Finnish partner for the construction of an oil refinery in Siberia
    • Guided a German medical technology company through the sale of medical devices to health care institution in the Islamic Republic of Iran
    • Represented sanctioned individuals and entities in OFAC delisting petitions
    • Provided U.S. export control guidance to numerous U.S. and foreign entities on the sale of variety of product ranging from semiconductor chips to ammunitions, research equipment, etc.
    • Assisted numerous U.S. and foreign entities with export licensing application from BIS and DDTC for the sale of their products to overseas customers
    • Advising multinational clients on sanctions, export controls, and AML compliance, including complex programs for aviation and shipping companies

General International Transactions

  • Assisted global software companies in the drafting and negotiation of software licensing agreements with the Thailand state owned oil company and the largest private oil company in India
  • Assisting global companies with inbound/outbound foreign direct investments and project implementation involving lenders, government officials, and international institutions
  • Building and maintaining relationships with legislators, trade associations, and government officials to advise clients on corporate governance and regulatory changes
  • Providing legal support on cross-border financing arrangements, including sanctions compliance

General Maritime Commercial Practice

  • Provided shipowners with business and legal counsel applicable to the setting up of ship operations and related engagements with P&I Clubs, classification societies, vessel management companies, ship agents, and flag states
  • Regularly provided legal and business counsel to NVOCC and freight forwarders, complying with Federal Maritime Commission regulations
  • Provided legal and business counsel to NVOCC and freight forwarders regarding their compliance with international code for the maritime transport of dangerous goods (IMDG Code), and its United States equivalent under the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations
  • Advised battery and automobile manufacturing companies regarding compliance with international regulations applicable to the shipment of batteries and battery powered equipment
  • Drafted and negotiated various types of transportation agreements including bills of lading, international sale of goods and the Incoterms that govern them, charter party agreements, and other shipping contracts, including providing advice on application of COGSA and The Harter Act applicable to cargo agreements
  • In the area of international trade sanctions and export controls, he has represented shipowners, charterers, and brokers in critically sensitive matters before the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Department of State

Membership & Involvement

With an esteemed service record across various sectors, Ngosong has made noteworthy contributions to industry and community through his numerous appointments and leadership roles.

  • Board Member: Wisconsin District Export Council; appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, January 2024
  • Chair of the International Trade Committee - Inter-Pacific Bar Association, International Section Committee
  • Diversity Chair: America Bar Association Custom Committee
  • USTR’s Industry Sector Technical Advisory Committee on Small, Minority, and Women-led Business; appointment by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce & U.S. Trade Representative, 2022
  • U.S. Representative: Turkish Businessman Industrialist Association (YATSIAD); appointment in 2019
  • Steering Committee Member: The New North (Global)
  • Board Member: East Town Association
  • Executive Committee Member: Dairy Cares of Wisconsin; Kicking It With The Cows
  • Past Chair: U.S. Trade Representative: Industry Trade Advisory Committee
  • Past Chair: Wisconsin Bar Association, International Practice Section 
  • Past Board Member: Wisconsin Bar Association, Business Law Section
  • Past Commissioner: Brown County Harbor Commission at the Port of Green Bay (2016-2018) 
  • Past Chair of Events: International Trade Club of Chicago

Honors

  • Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Corporate Law: 2026, 2027
  • Selected to State Bar of Wisconsin G. Lane Ware Leadership Academy: 2025-2026

Resources & Insights

In the Media

Alerts

Speaking Engagements

Published Works

Blog Posts

Education on Demand

Firm News

Education

Tulane Law School, LL.M Maritime, 2012

West Virginia University College of Law, J.D., MBA, 2011

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, B.S, B.A., 2008

Admissions

  • U.S. Court of International Trade
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Wisconsin

Languages

  • French
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